Fuchsias have long brought colour and charm to British gardens. With their elegant pendant blooms and generous flowering season, they’re a favourite in borders, containers, and hanging baskets alike. But a microscopic pest is quietly threatening that legacy: the fuchsia gall mite (Aculops fuchsiae).
This isn’t just a specialist concern. Whether you grow one fuchsia or a hundred, your plants and the wider gardening community could be at risk. At Harper & Debbage we care deeply about this issue. As custodians of both the James Lye – National Plant Collection, which preserves Victorian-era cultivars, and the Robin Clitheroe collection of modern cultivars, we’re hearing and seeing the impact of this pest through conversations and reports from across the UK.
That’s why we are inviting gardeners everywhere to join a national effort to track and report sightings. Monitoring benefits everyone and it starts with a simple form on our website.
Table of Contents
What Is the Fuchsia Gall Mite?
Fuchsia Gall Mite (Aculops fuchsiae) is a microscopic pest measuring approximately 0.2 mm in length and originates from South America. First recorded in mainland Britain in 2007 it has since spread to multiple regions across England and Wales. The mite is most active during the warmer months, typically between May and September, when infestations are more likely to develop and intensify. Dispersal occurs primarily via wind, with initial symptoms often appearing on the prevailing wind-exposed side of plants. Additionally mites may hitch a ride on insects such as bees, aphids and whiteflies enabling them to travel between plants and establish new colonies.
Although invisible to the naked eye, its damage is unmistakable:
- Distorted and swollen shoot tips
- Puckered or twisted leaves
- Discoloured growth (green, reddish, yellow, or bronzed)
- Growing tip area can look more hairy than normal
- Reduced or absent flowering
The mite feeds on the sap of new growth, injecting chemicals that alter the plant’s normal development, once infested plants rarely recover without intervention.
Learn more about symptoms, treatment and prevention of Aculops fuchsiae on the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Fuchsia Gall Mite advice page
Why It Matters — Protecting Fuchsias Together
We are proud to steward the James Lye Fuchsia Collection, recognised by Plant Heritage as a National Plant Collection. Many of Lye’s cultivars are historic and irreplaceable representing a vital part of our horticultural heritage.
But the threat of fuchsia gall mite isn’t limited to rare or historic plants. It affects all fuchsias grown in the UK from cherished garden favourites to specialist collections. Whether you’re an amateur enthusiast or a professional grower, vigilance matters.
That’s why we’re working closely with the British Fuchsia Society, local gardeners, nursery professionals and fellow collection holders to monitor and track the spread of this pest. Through shared knowledge and coordinated action we can help protect fuchsias for everyone who grows and loves them.
But we can’t do it alone.
Help Us Monitor Fuchsia Gall Mite — Submit a Sighting
We’ve created a dedicated reporting form on our website to help gardeners across the UK notify us of possible sightings. If you suspect gall mite damage on your fuchsias:
(Please include clear photos of the plant and issues on it, location information and any cultivar details.)
This data helps us:
- Identify new outbreak areas
- Assess how far the mite has spread
- Share findings with other fuchsia specialists
- Protect the vulnerable cultivars we care for
Every submission counts, even if you’re unsure, we’d rather investigate than miss a new infection.
View the Current Fuchsia Gall Mite Map
Stay up to date with the latest spread of fuchsia gall mite across the UK by checking our interactive tracking map. The map displays reported sightings from gardeners, collection holders and plant societies helping to identify new outbreak areas and monitor the pest’s movement.
By consulting the map, you can:
- See where infestations have been confirmed
- Compare regional trends with your local area
- Support the wider gardening community by submitting verified sightings
Note: The map is updated regularly as new reports are submitted, so check back often to stay informed and help protect both your fuchsias and heritage collections.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Plants
Inspect regularly
Inspect all your fuchsias throughout the growing season, paying particular attention to plants that have been recently purchased or overwintered. Aim to check your plants weekly, during active growth, so any issues can be spotted and addressed early.
Quarantine new arrivals
Before introducing new fuchsias to your garden or collection keep them isolated for a few weeks in a separate area. This quarantine period allows time to monitor for signs of pests or disease, including distorted growth, that may indicate fuchsia gall mite before any potential issues can spread to established plants.
Remove and Destroy Affected Growth
Prompt removal of damaged material is essential. Cut 10–15 cm below visible symptoms (if possible) and destroy all waste by burning or plastic sealed bag disposal.
Maintain Good Tool Hygiene
Always clean and disinfect tools, pots and work surfaces before and after use, particularly when working with fuchsias or other susceptible plants. Regular hygiene reduces the risk of transmitting fuchsia gall mite as well as other pests and diseases. Use a suitable disinfectant or horticultural cleaner and allow tools to dry fully before reuse.
Avoid sharing cuttings or plants
Propagation and plant exchanges should be limited to verified clean stock, since fuchsia gall mite can spread undetected through apparently healthy material.
Consider biological control
Biological control using predatory mites like Amblyseius andersoni may help limit infestations. Always consult up-to-date guidance from trusted horticultural sources before use.
Stay informed
Keep up to date with the latest advice and findings on fuchsia gall mite management. Follow trusted horticultural sources and our website for updates to stay informed about new outbreaks, treatment options and best practice for plant health.
- UK Plant Health Information Portal
- EPPO Global Database – is maintained by the Secretariat of the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO)
- Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)
Preserving Fuchsias for Future Generations
This isn’t just about pest control, it’s about protecting the heritage of plant. Collections like ours safeguard cultivars that would otherwise be lost to history. Without action mites, like Aculops fuchsiae, could render those cultivars nonviable.
By staying vigilant gardeners can help:
- Protect their own fuchsias from damage
- Slow the spread of fuchsia gall mite
- Preserve historic cultivars, including those bred by pioneers like James Lye
- Support the wider horticultural community and its shared legacy
Whether you grow one fuchsia or a hundred your actions matter. Together, we can all protect fuchsias and the stories they carry.
What You Can Do Today
- Inspect your fuchsias – Look closely for signs of damage or distortion
- Photograph anything unusual – Clear images help with identification and tracking
- Share the message – Let fellow gardeners know what to watch for
- Report sightings – Use our online form to submit any suspected or confirmed case
Every report strengthens our collective response. By acting now, we can protect the plants we cherish, not just for ourselves, but for future generations of gardeners.