FUCHSIAS VHT112

Distance Education Plant Course

Learn to identify and grow Fuchsias

There are approximately 100 species of fuchsias and many thousands of hybrids and varieties. They are native to Central and South America from Mexico to Patagonia. Some are native to Tahiti and Fiji. Fuchsias can be classified into species, hybrids and varieties, or "alternatively" are sometimes grouped according to growth habit as follows:

• BUSHES (also called small uprights).  These are low, strongly branching shrubs.
• SHRUBS  These are taller shrubs or small trees, some of which can grow to 5 metres or more.
• STANDARDS   Trained to grow on a single stem, or trunk; with branching commencing at no less than 79cm from the ground and no more than 107cm from the ground. The top is generally trained to form a well shaped round ball. Creepers (ie: rockery types) are sometimes grafted onto the top of a taller stem to produce a weeping standard.
• ROCKERY PLANTS (Creepers or Basket Plants)   Fuchsias which spread out low to the ground, used in rockeries; sometimes used in baskets, spreading and hanging over the sides.
• ESPALIER   The plant is trained to grow on a single two dimensional plane, either against a wall or fence, or using stakes in a pot.  
• OTHER methods of training (like espalier and standard) are used to produce "Pyramid", Pillar" and "Fan" types.

Course Structure

There are 8 lessons as follows:

1. Introduction
   • Review of the system of plant identification
   • General characteristics of fuchsias
   • Information contacts (ie: nurseries, seed, clubs)
2. Culture
   • Planting
   • Staking
   • Mulching
   • Watering
   • Pest & disease
   • Feeding
   • Pruning
   • Protection from wind etc.
3. Propagation

• Propagating and potting media
• Methods of propagating this group of plants.
• Stock plants
• Softwood cuttings, Semi hardwood cuttings
• Hormones
• Creating the best cutting environment

4.   The Most Commonly Grown Varieties

• Magellanica hybrids
• Triphylla hybrids
• Upright (bush or shrub) fuchsias
• Tall growers (suited to standards)
• Dwarf Fuschsias
• Trailing Fuchsias

5. Other Important Groups

• Quelusia Fuchsias
• Eufuchsia Fuchsias
• Ellobium, Kierschlegeria,Skinnera and other groups
• How to train a Standard Fuchsia
• Creating an Espalier fuchsia

6. The Lesser Grown Varieties

• Various species fuchsias

7. Making the Best Use of Fuchsias

8. Special Assignment - On one selected plant or group.

Each lesson culminates in an assignment which is submitted to the school, marked by the school's tutors and returned to you with any relevant suggestions, comments, and if necessary, extra reading.

Duration    100 hours

Aims

• Identify different Fuchsias
• Describe the culture of Fuchsias
• Propagate Fuchsias
• Describe the identification and culture of commonly grown Fuchsias
• Compare a range of commonly grown Fuschias.
• Discuss different lesser cultivated varieties of Fuchsias
• Determine and explain a variety of ways Fuchsias may be used.
• Discuss one aspect of Fuchsia cultivation in depth.

Using Fuchsias

Growing a healthy fuchsia is only half of the task involved in getting the most from these plants. You need to choose the most appropriate varieties, and combine them in the best way. You also need to think about other plants, pots, etc, to combine with your fuchsias, and how to place (and space) them.

Before you start, think about the affect you want to achieve; avoid combinations that clash or don’t achieve the desired affect.

Growing Fuchsias in Hanging Baskets

Fuchsias have long been the plant choice for hanging baskets. Trailing varieties, because of their naturally drooping habit when suspended, are the most popular (and the most desirable) choice, creating stunning displays as they cascade over the edge of the containers. Ball shaped hanging ‘baskets’ however can also be created from bushy cultivars.

Because fuchsias are so floriferous they are generally planted as single specimens (using several of the same cultivar per basket) however some people mix fuchsias with other plants such as annuals for extra effect ie. alyssum and lobelia etc.

The amount of plants you need per basket will depend on its size. You should aim to fill the basket as quickly and densely as possible – you therefore need several plants around the perimeter and one for the middle.

Water your fuchsias while they are still in their individual pots. Then place a good quality potting mix (to suit hanging baskets) in the bottom 1/3rd of the container. Arrange your plants evenly in the basket and fill the spaces around each one with potting mix; plant the outer ones first and lastly the centre one. Make sure the potting mix comes to about 2 cm below the rim of the basket. Top dress with a suitable fertiliser and water well then mulch the surface with pebbles (or other mulch), to hold in the moisture.

REASONS TO STUDY WITH ACS DISTANCE EDUCATION

• Reputation:
    -teaching Horticulture since 1979
    -exceptional faculty staff (see below)
• Hands on: develop practical as well as theoretical skills
• Uniqueness:
    -successful people are always those who can offer a skill or service that others can't
    -this course is different; our graduates have different skills to set them apart.
• Relevance -curriculum developed in response to industry needs
• Lots of help: personal, prompt attention from tutors
• Holistic Courses: We teach more than just "facts"
    -success is only 20% about intelligence (and what you know)
    -you also need to build networking, problem solving & communication skills, and more!
    -this course helps you develop all of these things and more
• Value: courses compare very favorably on a cost per study hour basis
• Up to date: courses under constant review
• Student amenities: This school is backed by over one of the most unique and comprehensive private collections of intellectual property in the horticultural industry. The principal and staff have written and published over 50 books and 150 gardening magazines, as well as 20,000 hours horticultural study programs. A team of 5 horticultural writers continue to develop and update new material continually. These resources together with web sites, an online student room, social media etc. provide a unique and comprehensive facility to support students studying with the school.

Marie Beerman  B.Sc., M.Hort.