Fuschias [1] grown in containers are spectacular accent plants for the cool, somewhat shady nook, where they can be protected from summer's hot drying winds. Although not hardy in our growing zones, they can be successfully kept indoors over the winter. As the length of the day decreases in the fall, fuschias respond by a decrease in the number of blooms produced, sending the plant into semi-dormancy.

To keep a fuschia over the winter, bring the plant in before frost, and gradually taper off watering in October and November. It is important to keep the plant in a cool, 45 to 55 degree room with plenty of light. Don't allow the soil to become bone dry, but remember that during this winter-rest period they do need an occasional watering. Their growth at this time will be weak and spindly [2]. In mid-March, when the days are getting longer, severely prune the plant. Since fuschias bloom on new wood, this spring pruning encourages lots of new growth.

When the danger of frost has disappeared in late May, place the plant back outside, and enjoy another season of its spectacular blooms [3].