How to Divide a Fuchsia Plant

Prune and divide fuchsias in late fall when they go dormant. Dormant pruning, division and transplanting mean less stress for the plant. Prune the canes down to one-third of their previous size or cut them as short as 6 inches to promote better spring growth and make the division and transplanting easier.

Prepare one or two new sites for the fuchsia divisions, depending on how large the bush is. Put the divisions in sites with filtered, indirect or partial sun or light all-day shade with quick year-round drainage and protection from drying winds. Fuchsias do best in moist, shady locations and burn in hot, bright sun.

Dig into the soil 18 to 20 inches from the fuchsia's base and dig inward to find the root system. Dig under the root system and use the shovel to lever it out of the ground. Pull the entire root system from the soil.

Brush all soil from the root ball to expose the roots and mark your divisions. Each division should have at least one cane and a number of roots. Large divisions with many canes and roots transplant more successfully than small ones. Use a knife to cut the root system in the designated spots.

Replant the original fuchsia in its original soil and at its original depth. Move the divisions to the new sites. Plant them at the same depth in their new amended soil and then water each with 1/2 gallon of water to settle the soil. Mulch all the fuchsias with 2 inches of organic compost to protect them during their establishment.