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During the time I lived in Oklahoma, the only fuchsia I had was in
a tube of lipstick. I had heard about the plants in passing, but since
it is not heat tolerant, I had no desire to grow it. In my current
residence in Portland, lots of people are growing them, so I thought I
would give it a try. I purchased 8 or so 4 inch pots and proceeded to
replant in hanging baskets. I had blooms, but not the full, lush growth
that the farmer's market hanging baskets have. I fed and watered them
and decided to try and overwinter them.
Last fall, I left my fuchsias outside under an eve. I had considered
bringing them in to the garage, but frankly, I didn't want to have to
remember to water them or make room for them. In early spring, I
brought them into my greenhouse. When they were dry, I added a little
water. As the days grew longer and a bit warmer, I noticed growth
appearing at the base of the stems. Here they are a after a couple of
months in the greenhouse.
Shortly after this, a giant moth was in our greenhouse...
A bit after its visit, I noticed small caterpillars munching on some
of the fuchsias...I started the process of picking them off by hand. It
took about two weeks to find them all and they nearly destroyed my
plants...but I had great satisfaction in finding the last one and,
stomping, err, I mean, grinding, ummm, eliminating it.
In June, we finally started to warm up enough to bring the fuchsias
outside and re-pot. I removed the two or three that didn't survive and
replanted the rest. Gave them some awesome organic fertilizer and
steady watering...so happy with how they have taken off! Here are some
of the first blooms...
The one below is called Jingle Bells...
I have discovered that I am madly in love with these guys! I had no
idea what I was missing...They have to be one of the most beautiful
flowers created...so sad they only last a short time here in the
Pacific Northwest...but they will be back!
Read more gardening goodness at www.gardenertofarmer.net.
