I've never encountered Annette's planting instructions with hardy fuchsias before, but then I am in a warmer zone than you and hardy fuchsias thrive here with minimal effort. I would say that generally the recommendation is to avoid planting things with a framework of woody stems (shrubs and subshrubs, like hardy fuchsias) below grade, as that often promotes stem rots. I would definitely mulch well for their first season or two until you are assured how hardy they really are - there is a wide range of hardiness attributes with hardy fuchsias :-) And do avoid pruning or cutting back too early. They are quite late in the season to leaf out and may appear as a collection of dead sticks longer than you think reasonable but be patient. They make up for their late appearance by blooming throughout the season and well into fall, at least in my area. I've had hardy fuchsias in bloom at Thanksgiving. I would also agree that they can be paired with pretty much anything and do not require the same shady conditions more tender fuchsias demand. Many of mine grow in full sun while others are in part shade. The yellow foliaged form of magellanica ('Aurea' or 'Genii') is particularly striking in a shadier area and pairs well with gold variegated hostas. They are also quite drought tolerant when established.

Hi Sorry to hear of your problems, it seems that you have covered most of the things that could have gone wrong yourself, but I have a few suggestions for you; Feeding any plant that is 'sickly' is not recommended, you need to identify the problem first. You say that one stem wilted, this needs cutting back to soil level if you haven't already done so. Knock the plant out of its container and check on the root ball, primarily you are checking to see if there are any new white roots being formed, if there are then at least you know the plant is coming back to life. While the plant is out of the container check the condition of the soil, it may be too wet or too dry, both these conditions can have a devestating effect on plants. If you find that there are old brown roots you need to remove these and repot, if there is very little root left then you must assume that something is eating the roots and you need to delve into the soil and roots to see what the problem is. With regards to the 'sappy problem' I would be inclined to 'dunk' the plant in a bucket of hand hot water (make sure that the water is not too hot though) and count to ten slowly while the plant is submerged. This usually cleans up any pests that may be there, including red spider mites and is wholly environmentally friendly. Make sure that you only Âdunk the plant to the soil level and not the whole pot. I would also be tempted AFTER this treatment to take cuttings from any available material and then trim the rest of the growth back by at least half. Let us know how you get on and what you find when you knock the plant out of the container TightÂ..

Hi JD, This problem, of getting the plant home, it wilts, flowers drop, it dies, seems to be very common on your side of the world. When ever I buy a Fuchsia, I try to replicate the conditions it was in for a few days, to see how it gets on. I look for a light but shaded spot, out of draughts or drying wind. Make sure the medium is moist but not over watered, and then keep an eye on it to see how it behaves. After a few day, move it to where you would like it or repot it with other plants, and again, keep an eye on it. It will soon let you know if it is not a happy bunny! It's trial and error to find the best spot. Often what's best for us is not best for the plant and you may have to move it several times. IanS.

A and B look more like a thrasher than a thrush....because of the tail length. The C-D bird looks like a vireo to me. hard to tell size in your pictures.