Fuchsia pruning

Posts

• K67 Posts: 2,506

  March 2021 edited March 2021

  If you dont want to risk cutting it low you could  prune out the dead, diseased and crossing branches then shorten the rest by a third to half or to fence level. Then maybe go lower next year.
  I inherited a pale pink small flowered variety and treated it like a buddlia and it was back up to 6ft the same year.

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• Obelixx Posts: 30,090

  March 2021

  Make sure you have clean, sharp secateurs and loppers and then start with the 3 Ds and remove any dead, damaged or diseased wood and clear it away.  Then remove any stems which are crossing and rubbing as this will damage the bark and invite disease in the wounds.
  
  Then shorten any stems growing away from the fence and into the garden, taking them back either to a main stem or just above a bud.   Do the same with stems growing up above the fence.  That should then give you a basic framework.   
  
  Stand back and assess and maybe a day or so later look again and see if you think it needs pruning further but the next main job is to fork or hoe round the base to clear any weeds and then feed it with a slow release fertiliser for roses or tomatoes and then give it a good drink - 15 litres.   Mulch with garden compost or spent potting compost if you have it.  
  
  You should get plenty of healthy new growth which will flower all summer long.  Prune again early next spring if the growth is still too much.

  Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
  

  "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."

  Plato
  

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• Chauncey Posts: 2

  March 2021

  Thank you both for your comprehensive advice. Just what we needed. Will tackle as suggested. Much appreciated!

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