Caring for a Fuchsia Gartenmeister Bonstedt

Water

• Although "Gartenmeister Bonstedt" fuchsia requires regular water throughout the growing season, too much water or poorly drained soil places the plant at risk for diseases such as root rot, blight, wilt, rust and mold. Wait until the surface of the soil feels dry, then provide water to soak the roots to about 6 inches. Never water if the soil feels moist. Check a container-grown fuchsia daily, as the potting mixture in containers dries quickly, especially during hot weather. Water the plant slowly until water drips through the drainage hole, then let the top of the potting mixture dry before watering again.

Fertilizer

• Fuchsias require regular fertilizer during spring and summer to provide nutrients necessary to keep the plant blooming all season. Feed "Gartenmeister Bonstedt" fuchsia every two to four weeks, using an all-purpose, water-soluble fertilizer. Mix the fertilizer at a rate of 1 tablespoon per 1 gallon of water, or according to the label's instructions. Feed container-grown fuchsias every week, as potted plants more fertilizer than in-ground plants. Don't fertilize in fall and winter, as fertilizer produces tender new growth that makes the plant more susceptible to frost.

Maintenance

• Remove flowers as soon as they fade to keep the plant blooming as long as possible. Cut the plant down to about 6 inches while the fuchsia is dormant in late winter or early spring. Pruning won't damage the plant, and flowers grow only on new growth. Trim "Gartenmeister Bonstedt" fuchsia lightly as needed throughout the season to keep the plant tidy.

Pests

• Sap-sucking pests, such as aphids, scale insects, whiteflies, thrips and mites sometimes infest fuchsias. Spray pests with insecticidal soap spray, which kills pests without posing serious threat to beneficial insects. Mix the spray at a rate of 2 teaspoons of insecticidal soap to 1 pint of water, or according to label directions. Cover the plant thoroughly with the spray because insecticidal soap kills only on contact. Spray when temperatures are low so the leaves don't dry too quickly.