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.