PLANT OF THE WEEK

FUCHSIA ‘RICCARTONII’

IT’S getting harder to fill flower vases at this time of year.

There are a few dahlias, chrysanthemums and calendulas still blossoming a bit but that will end soon. So I was delighted to see my hardy fuchsia still flowering.

The scarlet sepals, purple petals and pink stamens are such a sassy combination.

‘Riccartonii’ is hardy, but in colder areas it may die back for winter although it should reappear in spring. A lovely choice for an informal hedge, it grows best in moist, well-drained soil in sun or partial shade.

‘Delta’s Sara’ is a new hardy variety also worth looking out for – it has a white ‘skirt’ and violet blue ‘petticoat’. Very pretty.