Fuchsia ‘Blacky’
£6.45
A bushy deciduous shrub with ruffled, dark purple, almost black flowers with hot-pink, recurved sepals and green foliage. Height 50cm. Spread 40cm. Flowers May to September. Full sun/partial shade. Moist, well-drained soil. Hardy.
Description
Fuchsia ‘Blacky’ is a captivating deciduous shrub admired for its dramatic, dark purple-black ruffled blooms and hot-pink sepals. Flowering from May to September, this compact variety reaches a height of around 50cm and spreads to 40cm, making it ideal for borders, containers, or shaded corners. Follow this comprehensive planting and care guide to help your Fuchsia ‘Blacky’ flourish throughout the growing season.
PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE
Best Planting Time
- Spring: Plant Fuchsia ‘Blacky’ in spring as the soil begins to warm. This ensures roots establish well before the peak flowering season.
- Early Autumn: Alternatively, plant in early autumn to give roots time to settle in and support strong growth in the following year.
Site Selection
- Sunlight: Fuchsia ‘Blacky’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. Select a spot that receives morning sun with some afternoon shade to protect blooms from excessive heat.
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil is key. Fuchsia ‘Blacky’ prefers moist conditions but will not tolerate waterlogging. Improve drainage by incorporating compost or organic matter before planting.
Planting Instructions
- Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and the same depth.
- Soil Preparation: Mix in well-rotted compost to enrich the soil and improve moisture retention and drainage.
- Planting: Position the plant so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Fill in with the enriched soil, firming gently.
- Water Thoroughly: After planting, water well to settle the soil around the roots of Fuchsia ‘Blacky’.
Watering Requirements
- Active Growth: Water Fuchsia ‘Blacky’ regularly during dry periods, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not soggy. Deep, infrequent watering is best.
- Dormant Season: Reduce watering in colder months when the plant is not actively growing, but avoid letting the soil dry out completely.
Feeding
- Spring Feeding: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertiliser in early spring to support lush foliage and flower development.
- Mid-Season Boost: A liquid feed every few weeks in summer can help maintain the vigour and extended blooming period of Fuchsia ‘Blacky’.
Pruning
- Deadheading: Regularly remove spent flowers to encourage continuous blooming and a tidy appearance.
- Autumn Pruning: Once flowering ends, cut back Fuchsia ‘Blacky’ to shape the plant and prepare it for overwintering. Remove any dead or damaged stems.
Mulching
- Spring Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Winter Mulch: Mulch in late autumn to insulate the roots and protect against cold snaps.
Supporting the Plant
- Staking: Generally not required due to Fuchsia ‘Blacky’s’ compact, bushy growth. However, if grown in exposed areas or containers, support may help prevent wind damage.
Final Tips
Fuchsia ‘Blacky’ is a stunning, low-maintenance shrub that delivers bold colour all summer long. Perfect for containers, hanging baskets, or mixed borders, this hardy variety brings structure and drama to any garden display. By providing the right growing conditions and care, your Fuchsia ‘Blacky’ will reward you with vibrant blooms and healthy growth season after season.
Additional information
Pot Size |
---|
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.