Does it get the mites that plague other fuchsias? I think I heard this one doesn't but I've never tried it.

I'm beginning to think I need a large fence around my whole property so I have someplace new to plant vines and shrubs! I've run out of room!

Kate, I've grown this for years and it has never gotten mites or anything else that I know about. It does want to be kept uniformly moist, so I keep it in a container (not terra cotta) with good drainage, and water it often enough that it doesn't dry out completely.

Marcia

Sadly, I would almost certainly kill it because I'm sure I would let it dry out completely. Oh well...

Just put it in a plastic pot with a deep saucer. And keep it close by. It won't die if it dries somewhat...but if it goes into a shriveled up state and starts dropping leaves, it seldom snaps out of it, at that point.

It's not really hard, honest.

Marcia

I think that's the one I have, but it didn't have a name. I planted mine in the ground close to the big birdbath. Since I change the water almost every day, it waters the fushcia at the same time. I've only had mine a couple of months, but so far it looks great. I knew it was a fushcia and thought it would probably be an annual for me, but it was just too pretty to resist.

Ginny

Hi
I picked up a couple of them at HD but mine has the deep purple skit . has been in constant flower since christmas.
Only says Fuchsia hybrida on the label so have no idea what it is .
Have never been able to get them past June when the heat sets in. You'd think with such a gigantic family and countless hybrids there would be one that can take the heat lol
I always keep them in hanging baskets ,otherwise I can't keep them hydrated and it shows them off to look up at them.
I think we might have a chance with them if you could arrange to have some nights below 70 during late summer .
Okay now I'm hallucinating lol gary

Gary, It sounds more like you have a "regular" fuchsia, which doesn't like sun or heat, really. They only last a couple of months for me.

The Gartenmeister variety has a different shaped flower...with a "star" on the end of the tubular part, instead of a "ballerina skirt," and it is designed for heat and sun. Of course, in Zone 10, it still might not make it.

I've never seen Gartenmeister in any color but orange-red, though that doesn't mean it isn't available in other colors. Just never saw it being sold here in purple or pink, etc.

If you DO have a purple Gartenmeister, I'd love to see a picture. And I'm gonna want one, too! Mine will last about nine months or so before getting a bit straggly, straight through the summer and well into fall. And I'm pretty sure I can cut it back and rejuvenate it for the following year, but I've been too lazy to mess with it. This year, I'm going to try. I read on Dave's Garden where some people kept it going for years and years. Worth a shot!

Marcia

That's beautiful!
I have something similar, but I believe it's a salvia.
I whack it back every winter and it comes back with a vengeance...LOL
It, too, likes wet feet.

Here it is below.
I love the leaves on yours so much better!!!

Lellie, I'm pretty sure your plant is actually "Ragin' Cajun" ruellia. I know it doesn't look like any other ruellia we might be used to, but I have grown this many times. It is a super plant, isn't it? In fact, I need to get some more. It is good in butterfly and hummingbird gardens, too.

Marcia

So that's what it is, huh?
I have two...still in their pots from over a year ago 'cause I don't know where I want to plant them...LOLAM
It actually is a great plant...even though I've yet to spot a hummer in my yard yet.
*heavy sigh!

After I put them in the ground...and God willing, they spread...you're most welcome to some offspring!

Marcia
Will keep an eye out for that variety. Have been told repeatedly that no Fuchsia will make it through summer lol
The two that I have are in hanging baskets in the shadehouse and are still in heavy flower .Of course the heat is just starting lol I like that purple and fuchsia color and the hanging habit.
6 months ain't too bad for 3 bucks lol gary