Fuschia are my favourite plant and for the last 30 years have always had at least 10 different varieties. This year, first time ever I have noticed the leaves and buds distorted and curling up. I cut a lot of them off today so this photo is not the worst. In some cases the whole tip of a branch, about 3 inches looks like a green cauliflower. All I can find online is something spread by kingfishers in America. Do you have any idea what this is, what causes it and/or how to treat it. Is pruning enough?
Will it work to put fuchsia stems in a soaked floral form for a mid-September flower show?
As a former floral designer, I can tell you yes! You can use Fuchsia as a cut flower.
Make sure you use fresh stems and is possible choose flowers that are just about to open.
Soak your floral foam in water for at least 3 to 4 hours to ensure it is fully saturated.
Use a floral preservative in the water that you both soak the foam and when you fill the container.
When inserting the stems into the foam, push in the stem and slightly pull the stem back out of the foam. This will help the woody stems be able to take up water.
I would also recommend you locate a product called Crowning Glory. It is a clear liquid that you can spray on the entire floral arrangement when you have it completed. It seal the flower to prevent browning and wilt. This is a great product to ensure your hard work and pretty flowers don't suffer damage from delivery and warm weather.
How do I tell the difference between potted plants and bushes of fuschias, as I have lost the info cards.
This may help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fuchsia/fuchsia-plant-varieties.htm
What month should fuchsias be pruned in Southern CA?
I would recommend pruning in early spring or late August. I prefer spring, though. Here is a helpful article:https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fuchsia/pruning-fuchsia-plants.htm
My fuchsias are developing a hard almost plastic head. I dont know what it is or whats causing it. I cannt find anything on line. I thought maybe it was a disease but cannt see anything. It has never happened before and it is only on two of the plants. Different varieties.
It sounds like what you are describing are seed pods! You can harvest, and plant them when they are ready. Here is an article that will help you out: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fuchsia/harvesting-fuchsia-seeds.htm
I have a fuschia tree, it is about 3' tall and is a single trunk. I have been able to winterize it for 2 years now but am not sure if I should prune it prior to putting it away for the winter. I have been trimming the branches to about 10" prior to putting it in garage but have read that maybe I should be doing this after the winter???? Thank you
The best time to prune fuchsias is in the early spring, because this is thought to maximize flowering and prevent frost damage. However, it probably won't hurt your tree to prune it in fall as long as it is protected from cold. https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=579
Can you root a plant from a cutting
Yes, you can. This article explains how.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fuchsia/propagating-fuchsias.htm