Expert: C.L. Fornari - 5/12/2006

Question
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Followup To
Question -
Hi again-  My fuschia give up the ghost every year when the temps. start hitting 90 or so...  Bringing 'em in doesn't seem to help (reduced light?  I've got a swamp cooler...)  will one of those outdoor mister systems do the trick?  Or should I start next years cuttings in june?  I've heard about gradual light reduction for plants that will be over-wintered,  but how can I reduce light for something already in the shade?  A box...  Thanx again, I appreciate the time you take to share your wisdom!!!  B
Answer -
Benjamin,
Fuschias are one of the hardest plants to keep over the winter - they are prone to crown rot and whitefly in particular.  Growers use growth regulators on them during the winter to keep them full and bushy, but home gardeners don't have access, nor do most of us want to use these products.

Yes, taking cuttings in late June or July is a good idea if you want to try to propagate them - use a rooting gel such as clonex.  If you are enthusiastic about cuttings, get the Oasis cubes that growers use for cuttings. (If you google "Oasis Cubes  Propagation" you'll find sources.  There are even rooting gels that have a squirt top so you squirt the gel right into the oasis cube and stick the cutting inside.  Woody plants like fushias root best from this year's growth that is about a couple of months old - in other words, growth that is new but not too fresh.  Once the cutting is rooted you plant it, oasis cube and all, and after a month in the new pot start pinching to encourage bushy growth.  You can plant three or more cuttings per basket/pot for a more instantly full plant.  

Yes, Fushias don't like the heat much...they want to be in Seattle or in the sea-breeze on Hawaii (who doesn't?) and misters will just make it more humid (more prone to mildew and crown-rot) in all likelyhood.  I'd take some cuttings and grow such a selection of plants that if a fushia bites the dust it's no big deal.  By the way, have you tried the Gartenmeister Bonstedt Fushia?  (Spelling probably wrong, but if you google that it will tell you the correct spelliing.)  Upright, coral flowers all summer, easier to over-winter, and more heat and sun tolerant.  I grow mine where it gets 4 hours of dead on sun in the noon hour and it's happy.  

all the best,
C.L.
www.gardenlady.com

I'm looking for those fuschias TODAY!  the growth hormones you mentioned...  I bought some B-9 at 100 bucks a bag...is winter the time to apply it?  (I've got a large setup in my basement already for all the things I over winter...  lots of work, but gardenias in February are PRICELESS!!)  Thanx ,B

Answer
Benjamin,
I didn't mention growth hormones, but growth REGULATORS.  These are things that growers use to keep plants shorter and bushier.  Don't worry about them... gardeners don't use them.  B-9 and similar growth products should be used in moderation (more is not better with plants...with ANYTHING) in the GROWING season only - May through July in most climates.  

You are right - gardenias in Feb ARE priceless... gardenias in any month are pretty great.  

I have a "tower of power" in my basement as well - lights, germination pads etc.  I think that starting seeds and taking cuttings is one of the most life-affirming things we can do.

all the best,
C.L.