I have a couple of standard fuchsias comming along Scotcat. Never tried it with Lavender. The trouble with fuchsia standards is overwintering the tall stem. The stem is very sensitive to temperature. It is so difficult without proper heated greenhouse to preserve them over even an average winter. The root may survive but I can't then get a good standard out of it again. The best way is to buy a strong growing upright cutting in the spring and bring it on as a standard from that point.

I grew a full standard of Fuchsia Southgate which I kept for about five years. It wasn't a suitable variety but I didn't find that out until afterwards! I did put the pot outside in the summer but it was very susceptible to wind damage. It got a bit big for its corner in the conservatory and I gave it away in the end. I never solved the problem of staking it successfully though as the stake seemed to wobble almost as much as the stem. Well worth having a go but do make sure you get a variety recommended for the purpose.

When you are staking plants,remember to go deep--1/4 of the stake should be underground.