Fuchsias are much more versatile than the average gardener assumes. Although famed as a shade-loving, summer- flowering ornamental, the fuchsia can be made to flower practically throughout the year in the Long Beach area. To accomplish this you need merely plant the right varieties and then prune them intelligently.

Actually, there are many types of fuchsias. Some are splendid for hedges while others, as is usually the case, are treated as low growing specimen plants. Certain varieties are widely used as ground covers, especially in shady rock gardens. You also have your choice of hanging basket fuchsias and those that perform well when espalliered against a fence or wall. Tall growing sorts may be utilized for creating columnar effects and finally a few can be trained like a tree.

Few ornamentals produce such a show of rich, vibrant colors at such low cost. Close to 500 separate varieties are available and at an average price of 35 cents each. Even a comparatively small nursery will display as many as 10,000 individual plants, a complete flower show all by itself.

In most parts of the country the fuchsia is grown only as a shade-loving specimen. But in Long Beach many varieties may be grown in full sun. This seems especially true for the single - flower varieties. Generally speaking, of course, the fuchsia wants a cool situation and some protection in the inland regions from persistent exposure to the sun during the" hottest part of the day.

How to prepare the soil for fuchsias is a subject on which even the experts disagree. One encouraging fact is that fuchsias are not over-sensitive to soil conditions and what they want can be obtained at relatively low cost. You should incorporate plenty of well rotted manure and leaf mold with the existing soil prior to planting. It is just as important to apply a mulch of coarse leaf mold or peat moss on top of the soil to keep it cool and aid in conserving moisture.

Fuchsias are heavy drinkers. The soil in which they grow must not be allowed to dry out during the summer and fall. Early morning watering is recommended; wet the soil thoroughly down to the root zone. Surface sprinkling is out; it is a complete waste of time, money and water. Keep the soil damp but not soggy. In addition, it is advisable to practice overhead sprinkling once or twice a week. Fuchsias really like a cold shower.

Feeding time is during the spring and summer months. Foods with a high nitrogen content are best for spring and summer; later on, phosphorous and potash will be needed. Heavy pruning is best practiced in December and January, a time when the plants are least active. New shoots, however, may be pinched off from time to time to encourage a bushier growth and increased flower production.