I am back from canoeing in Northern Minnesota! Every morning I was greeted by the sounds of territorial red squirrels, a full bladder and a sore back. My days involved paddling miles through lakes, a continuous stiff wind in our face, and a scorching skin baking sun. Oh and I lost my trophy fish thanks to my dearest of friend, whom I will not name. Each evening we would all sit around the campfire and gripe about our day…and smile. We were four men doing what we love and it was a perfect week. Wine drinking, hammock naps, a serene silence and oh the sunsets, the sunsets were astounding. This weeks Plant of the Week has a flower that reminds me of a sunset. Lets talk about Fuchsia and how you can use it to improve you patio or landscape.

Why use Fuchsia?

The blooms of the Fuchsia are unique and have an exotic look to them. The two toned beauty of this flower is like a perfect sunset, which will brighten up your shadier spots. This is an annual in our area meaning it can be used as a short colorful burst easy for you to change each year if you desire. The biggest reason to use Fuchsia is to bring color to a shady patio, porch or landscape! If you would like to save your plant for the following season simply bring it inside before the first frost!

Where to Plant Fuchsia?

Fuchsia can be planted anywhere that provides protection from the sun and water during the hotter months of the year. Fuchsia prefer a cooler temperature and therefore require a bit more thought when choosing where and how much water. Make sure there is good drainage to prevent over watering as it can easily get root rot and do not let it dry out. The best place to use Fuchsia is in a hanging basket, but feel free to utilize it throughout your landscape! In the landscape I would use it to hang over a wall or some rocks, always making sure it was planted in the foreground to ensure people could see it from a patio or path.

What does Eagleson Landscape Think?

I love Fuchsia, especially after realizing its flowers look like sunsets! However, I have found over the years they can be a little tricky to find the right spot to grow and the right amount to water. Now this could just be me, so do not necessarily shy away. I am just as prone to plant mistakes as the next guy. I urge you to move the basket around if you find your Fuchsia is beginning to decline. I will grade Fuchsia as a B-. I have docked it in grade because of the difficulties I have experienced growing it and the narrow scope it can be used. Check out more about Fuchsia here and try your hand at growing it!

I hope everyone is surviving the storms in what has become the Week of the Tornado here in Indiana. Stay safe.