How to persuade fuchsia to grow better?

Question

Hello,I have a fuchsia (the tag says "Fuchsia Diva pink/purple") in a hanging pot in semi-shade.  The potting soil is Miracle-Gro.  I have been following what directions I know about growing fuchsias.  (I.e.: Keep the soil moist.)My question is:  How can I persuade this plant to grow better?  It's still short and wimpy.  If it's too late this year, at least I can know what to do better next year.I live in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, in zone 4 or 5.  I have no greenhouse.  So we're talking about fuchsia as an annual.I am not a skilled gardener.  If all farmers had my knack with plants, the world would starve.  All advice will be appreciated.Thank you.Ted Shoemaker

gregpresley · Accepted Answer

Don't give up on your fuchsia during the winter. I live in a zone 5/6climate, and I overwinter mine in an unheated attached garage. (Thetemperature inside it on cold winter days is probably just around freezingto perhaps 35.) After your first few heavy frosts, the fuchsiia will godormant and should drop most of its leaves. At that point, you can cut itback and bring the pot into the garage, root cellar, or whatever other quitecool but not frozen area that you have.  Keep the soil just barely moistover winter, not waterlogged. The fuchsia is dormant and doesn't need to bein light during this period. Starting in late March, you can bring thefuchsia into a warmer environment,  with some sunlight, and add a littlewater. It will leaf out, and you can start bringing it out in mid- lateApril, although it should come back inside when frost is predicted.It occurs to me that you might not have the fuchsia in a pot. I thinkfuchsias are harder to take care of in the ground, because while they need...

How to persuade fuchsia to grow better?

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