Expert: William McMahon - 10/18/2009

Question
I have a fuchsia which I think is lovely: it's called, "Swingtime," and its blooms look sort of like a ballerina: cerise overpetals, white skirt and pink stamens.  I'd really like to keep it over the winter to bloom next year.

I live in Pennsylvania, and brought it and some other plants in before a frost warning.  It's still blooming now, but dropping blooms before they're done.  I have a southern window I could hang it in.

Would it go on blooming through winter, or does it need dormancy to do well next year?  I sort of hate to cut it back while it's blooming, but if that's what it needs, I will.

Thank you.

Answer
Hello Carole, Swingtime is a beautiful variety, I have it myself. A few years ago I saw a basket of swingtime at a fuchsia show in England, it was five feet across, it was awarded best in show, well deserved.If you have not got a heated greenhouse, it is better to cut your plant back for the winter. If it is in a house, it will grow leggy and head for the window. My basket of swingtime is now cut back to five inches above the soil and all flowers and leaves removed. Only water during the winter when the soil is dry. Your plant will benefit from a winters rest, and in the spring will start growing again and soon make a large plant. I hope this helps. Kind regards William.