Day 329: As with human beings and other creatures, perennial plants have a lifespan which varies with the individual. Some species are known for being longer lived than others (think of ancient trees), and even within a species, different varieties may live longer than others. Several of my large-flowered hardy fuchsias expired almost simultanously, and although I don't know whether that can be attirbuted to their natural span or whether our peculiar weather conditions caused their demise, I'm sure one or both factors played a part. My only two surviviors are Genii (above) and similar Riccartoni, both of which are the ones most commonly seen in PNW gardens. Even the small-flowered varieties are a guaranteed lure for hummingbirds, and Genii has come into bloom just in time for the returning Anna's who have been nectaring at them for the last week or so.
