How to Deadhead Fuchsia

Striking, bell-shaped fuchsias create an explosion of color from late spring until frost. Colors range from rich pink to shocking red, and nearly any color in between. Bicolored blooms create a sharp contrast, particularly if one of the colors is white. Planted in hanging baskets, fuchsias cascade over the sides, attracting hummingbirds and butterflies to the yard. Fuchsias are heavy feeders, often requiring daily watering, as they wilt quickly. Deadheading old blooms improves appearance and prolongs the life of the plant.

Instructions

1. • 1

     Check fuchsias daily for faded blooms. Turn the basket, if necessary, and lift stems to view the center of the plant, and locate all faded blooms.

   • 2

     Pinch the dead flower free of the plant at the base of the short stem that supports the flower, at the point where it meets the main branch of the plant. This forces the plant to concentrate its energy on producing more blooms, instead of producing seeds.

   • 3

     Remove fallen blooms and other plant debris from the planter regularly. Plant material allowed to decay on the soil encourages disease and detracts from the beauty of the plant.