1. Semi-trailing, these varieties start growing “bushy” and then spread sideways, when the buds and flowers form this has the effect of pulling the branches down a little. These can be used in a basket or used in a more upright context. Great versatility!
2. Trailing, as above but the branches are pulled down a lot to give a cascading effect when in bud and bloom and planted in a basket or other raised container, for example a window box. Another use for some of these varieties is for training into a “standard”. A rooted cutting or young plant that hasn’t had the growing tip pinched out, or “stopped” is grown into a long “whip”. Sideshoots are removed until the whip approaches the required height, the plant will need the support of a stake during this process. Sideshoots are then allowed to develop at the top of the plant they can be “stopped” to encourage bushiness. Varieties that lend themselves to this treatment are indicated on the variety pages.
3. Bush/upright these varieties simply can be grown into small shrubs that are freestanding or used in containers, including baskets as a centrepiece. More vigorous varieties may need pinching or stopping several times when grown in containers.
4. Hardy types, as 3 but also having sufficient “hardiness” to overwinter outdoors in the UK. On the south and west coasts these are usually evergreen and can make substantial shrubs, even hedgerows. Inland and on the East Coast the softer/newer seasons growth is often cutback by hard winter frost. New growth appearing from the woody parts the following Spring.

Although “dappled shade” might be the ideal location, fuchsias are quite at home in full sun provided they’re not allowed to dry out, especially in containers! Use multi-purpose-potting compost, ensure good drainage, and keep well-watered in hot weather, less so in unsettled periods. One final point the height and spreads are approximate first season growth in reasonable conditions and exclude special training such as standards etc!