New Kids on the Block

Picked up these two fuchsias over the weekend. I thought you might have had enough of geraniums (pelargoniums) for now (Don't worry, they will be coming back!).

I wanted to show you how I grow begonias (which, unlike geraniums, are partial-shade, moisture-loving plants). But with the season being so late, there might not be time, especially since I haven't planted most of them. Fuchsias can be handled in a similar way to begonias (they also love moist semi-shade) but they grow much quicker.

I must admit, fuchsias have never really appealed to me before. But, for some reason, my opinion is changing.

'Hawkshead' (right) is a hardy bush fuchsia (it can be left in the ground over winter) which grows to about 1 metre. There is a permanently-damp, semi-shaded (does not get the mid-day sun) spot in the front garden behind the wall, which should suit it just fine. But keeping it in the pot for a while yet, so we can get some growth.

'Gartenmeister Bonstedt' (left) is a dark salmon coloured, cluster-type triphylla hybrid (has long thin finger-like flowers) with bottle-green/purple foliage. It should also do quite well in a container.