Fuchsia container – update

It’s time I brought you up to date on the fuchsia container I planted earlier this summer (see blog entry June 22). Much as I have – along with everyone else – been complaining about the prolonged wet spell we are currently enduring, this has been greatly to the benefit of this particular planting.

Fuchsias love mild, damp conditions – hence they proliferate in Ireland and parts of the West Country – and the variety I chose (‘Koralle’) is developing beautifully, splaying out its velvety-leaved stems, each of which is tipped with quantities of tubular, coral red flowers.

Fuchsia 'Koralle' - one of the so-called triphyllas, with distinctive, tubular flowers

The three yellow lysimachias I planted to ascend the three canes have needed some persuasion to climb. This involves tying the strongest of the stems to the canes (I am using unobtrusive raffia) and pinching out the side-shoots, much as you would do with a cordon tomato. They are all growing at different rates, but I’m confident of achieving the desired affect within a few weeks – certainly if this rain keep up.

It will soon be time for my August newsletter – how time flies!