Hardy Fuchsia Erecta

Day 329: The most delicate of my hardy fucshias, "Erecta" did not sprout new growth on old wood this year, but emerged instead from the ground and thus came into bloom somewhat later than the others. It may require a little additional protection. Despite having felt the touch of Jack Frost's breath last winter, it put on a good show starting in mid-July. The novelty of this plant is that true to its variety name, the flowers point upward or outward rather than being pendent like other fuchsias. For that, I can forgive it being pink. The two tones of its densely packed blossoms (creamy, blushing sepals and orchid-pink corolla) are not unpleasing to the eye and shine like little stars from its shady niche.

An Unexpected Turn

Day 240: New to my hummingbird garden this year is Hardy Fuchsia "Erecta," and already it has delivered a surprising turn-up...literally. I had thought the name referred to erect stems as opposed to trailing, but in fact it comes from the upright orientation of the blossoms! Every one sticks up like a candle ensconced in an ornate cup of petals, the stigma a flaming wick pointed at the sky. It is as if the plant is saying to the hummingbirds, "Come drink with me." Na zdorovie, my little Rufous friends. This bud's for you.