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.