Pop of colour

Fuchsias (Fuchsia cvs) are a much loved perennial garden favourite. Not only can they be used in the garden, but also in hanging pots, part shade and full shade. They burst into flower from late spring to early winter and exude happiness with their blend of contrasting colour. When in full bloom the bush can seem like a cluster of full-skirted ballerinas waiting to move onto the stage.

Choose a sheltered spot in the garden and prepare the planting area well by digging in Yates Dynamic Lifter Organic Plant Food.

Dig the planting hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root-ball. Remove the shrub from the container and gently tease the roots.

Position in the hole and backfill with soil, gently firming down. Form a raised or doughnut-shaped ring of soil around the outer edge of the plant's root zone. This helps keep water where it's needed. Always water in well after planting to settle the soil around the roots and keep the soil moist for several weeks while the new plant establishes.

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like bark chips, woodchip or pea straw, keeping it away from the base of the plant.

Feed during the growing and flowering season with Yates Thrive Rose & Flower Granular Plant Food.

Choose a pot or hanging basket at least 300mm wide and deep. Position in a sheltered spot. If planting in a hanging basket, choose a pendulous variety so that the flowers can be seen from below.

Fill the chosen pots or hanging baskets with quality potting mix, such as Yates Premium Potting Mix.

Remove the shrub from the container and gently tease the roots.

Position in the pot and backfill with potting mix, gently firming down. Water in well.

Mulch around the base with organic mulch like woodchip or pea straw, keeping it away from the base of the plant.

Feed regularly during the growing and flowering season with Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers Liquid Plant Food. TIP: For an added boost apply Yates Thrive Natural Fish & Seaweed+ Plant Food Concentrate.

Fuchsias don't like temperature extremes and will require protection from the hot midday and afternoon sun.

Remove any spent flowers to encourage further blooms.

Fuchsias can recover from a harsh prune. It is best to give them a light prune just after flowering to promote bushy growth.

Because fuchsias flower on new wood, it's helpful to prune regularly and thereby encourage new flower-promoting growth. Cut plants back hard in late winter (spring in cold areas) and give a tidy up in mid-summer. Pinch back the soft growing tips to encourage bushiness.

Watch for sap-sucking pests under leaves, especially on plants growing in dry spots. Use Yates Nature's Way Organic Citrus, Vegie & Ornamental Spray Ready to Use to treat thrips, aphids and mites and Yates Super Shield Rose Spray Concentrate to control fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

— Courtesy of Yates