fuchsia

I buy a fuchsia
plant most years, either for a hanging basket or to stand in a tub on the patio. They always have such amazing colors and flowers, and the humming birds love them. The one I bought this year is no exception. This one is a hanging basket and the flowers are the double type. They are sold at this time of year in Southern California - I bought this one in the supermarket - and they do well initially because the temperature is just right, they can stay in the shade most of the time, but not get too cold. Anything in between seems to upset the balance and they are then susceptible to mites, and other problems. After April you have to be careful they don't get too much sun.

Fuchsia Facts

Bloom time: Summer to late fall.
Exposure: Bright to partially shady and sheltered from wind.
Soil: All purpose soil.
Average Size: Shrub can reach 3 - 6 ft high and wide.
Growth rate: Fast in good conditions.
Water: Water abundantly in the growth period (don't let hanging baskets dry out).
Fertilizing: Feed weekly until August during the growth period.
Pruning: Prune regularly; at the beginning of the vegetative period, trim them all round.


This type is particularly pretty. The flowers start off with white petals that have small purple centers, and as the flower opens, which takes about a week, the outer petals turn to pink and the center becomes a large purple mass of petals. We have had a couple of very warm days this week, so I hope I can save this plant through to next year.