Hardiest of the Hardies

Day 323: Over the years, my collection of hardy fuchsias has dwindled from seven to three. The survivors include two small-flowered varieties (Genii, pictured here on the left, and Riccartonii, which is not currently in flower) and surprisingly, a large-flowered type I expected to be one of the more delicate ones (Garden News, right). I may have accidentally removed Army Nurse during a fit of autumn weeding when its roots became so entangled in buttercups that I couldn't separate the good from the bad. In any event, these remaining plants give me great joy when they flower, and the hummingbirds concur. They are regular visitors to the pendent blossoms.

Pink For A Queen

Day 330: Today, with the passing of Elizabeth II, I am reminded that all things must end, both good and bad. Elizabeth herself said as much when Britain's people were struggling through difficult times, and her words hauled them up by the strings of their character to meet numerous challenges. This is a measure of true leadership, the ability to unite people in a common cause. I admired Elizabeth greatly for this facet of her charisma, that she could reach peoples' hearts despite their differences and, if seen from my romanticized, American perspective, that she was a tough but kind and considerate ruler. But this you already know, or will have heard on today's news. What you may not know is that I watched her coronation on a black-and-white Muntz television set which my father had bought expressly for the purpose of allowing me to witness an historic event. I don't recall that I knew it as such, young as I was, but I have never forgotten the moment when the ceremonial crown was placed on her head and slipped down to her eyebrows before the celebrant realized it was too large for her. If ever there was a moment typifying British aplomb, it was then. For me, this was the historic moment, perhaps not the one my father had intended to impress on my brain but significant nevertheless. Today, I mourn her passage. The world will not see her likes again.

Go Hardy!

Day 305: For all the fuss and bother that annual fuchsias are, I can't imagine why everyone doesn't grow the hardy varieties instead. Many of them have blossoms which are as large as those of the annuals, and they are available in just as many colour combinations and a wide assortment of flower forms. Some types are hardy to -20°, so even if you are in Zone 5, there will be a hardy fuchsia for you. While these plants can grow into a sizeable bush, they are easily maintained at a more manageable size by pruning out older wood. Most flower on both new wood and old. Except for "Riccartoni" (not pictured), I keep mine cut back to roughly 18" in height. They never fail to put on a floriferous gala as summer begins to wind down. Go hardy! You won't regret it.

Fuchsia Parade

Day 297: It began with Genii (left), the only type of hardy fuchsia I knew about at the time. Then as I was browsing the internet for horticultural information on it, I discovered that there were other hardy fuchsias, some with flowers to rival the annual varieties common to hanging baskets. Typical of rabbit-holes, the ground beneath my feet slid away and down I went into a wonderland of perennials I had never suspected of existing. Today, my garden holds half a dozen of these eminently gratifying plants, making me wish I had room for more. Not only are different flower forms and colours available, there are foliage options as well. Genii's leaves are golden-green, while those of Army Nurse (center) are a middle hue. If darker foliage is to your liking, the rich hunter-green headlines the fat pink and purple flowers of Garden News (right). Not shown, Erecta carries its flowers pointing upward as its name implies, Dollar Princess wears a slightly rosier skirt than Army Nurse, and Ricartonii's flowers are even more slender than those of Genii. Genii and Ricartonii also form edible fruits which, although rather bland, would lend an interesting flavour to an apple jelly. Might have to try that this year!

Fuchsia Fantasy

Day 316: These are just a few of my hardy fuchsias. Yes, you heard that right: hardy. These are not the delicate annuals which die down at the first hint of winter. In fact, I selected these particular varieties because they are capable of withstanding temperatures of 0° F. or lower. The stems are woody and tough, and even though the first signs of growth in spring usually emerge at ground level, leaves will emerge on the hardened wood later in the season, followed by a dazzling display of flowers. Although to many people, the phrase "hardy fuchsia" brings to mind smaller flowers, many varieties bear blooms equally as large and showy as those of the annuals and are available in a wide range of colour combinations. Most varieties tend toward shrubbiness, but pruning will keep them from getting out of hand. Shown here are Erecta with its unusual upward-facing corolla, Army Nurse brilliant in rich purple and red, the plump two-toned pink Garden News, and the familiar traditional Genii.