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!
