fuchsia

[arden]

I know its a bit early to be thinking about this, but how do I over winter some fuchsia plants I would really like to keep for next year. PS I do not have a greenhouse. Also, I do have some hardy fuchsia that do come back every year but only grow about a foot tall. I do cut them back in late winter, is this the problem?
Thanks in advance.

[hammerman]

For the non hardy fuchsias like the ones you grow in hanging baskets and tubs, if you haven't got winter protection, i would plant them in a sheltered corner of the garden, cut the top growth back to about 2" and then cover them with straw and maybe put a little cloche over them if it's going to be really cold.

As for your hardy ones, maybe you just have a small variety such as tom thumb. You could leave them and allow the top growth to shoot to see if it will become taller in spring.

[carlton23]

If you want to leave them in the garden, give them a 2-3 inch layer of compost or peat (if you can get it) after you have cut them down and remember to label their position. In pots, put them in the garage and don`t let them dry-out completely, only very slightly moist. Otherwise you can chance lifting them, cut down to 4 inches, clean of any soil from the roots and wrap them in newspaper and keep in a cool place like an indoor cupboard, re-pot when weather starts to warm up.

[arden]

Thank you Hammerman and Carlton. I'll give it a go.