Growing Fuchsia in Water
Growing Fuchsia in Water
Fuchsias are tender flowering plants that don’t mind growing in slightly alkaline, nutrient poor soils but need good drainage to avoid root rot. They are often associated with water shortages and often come from countries in Latin America, where the problem of soil erosion is a very big issue.
Many fuchsias will tolerate sitting for a few days as long as they are given some water. The leaves will stay wet making them slightly fragrant and they will quickly lose their rigid texture, so a soggy soil is not a problem. However the roots must be given a chance to dry out.
2. Fuchsias are just as happy in sunny, dry winter months as they are in summer, although they won’t be erect unless the soil is dry below the surface. They can be grown in large containers, or hole dug with a hoe into the garden for them to climb up.
3. Fuchsias are versatile plants. They can be eaten – depending on the type – or used to make artichoke stems, as well as being used as cut flowers.
4. The tubers need to be lifted before the first frosts set in, because the fibrous roots will then not survive a cold spell. If you have a fuchsia in a pot that has a depth of 2 inches, in a Mediterranean or mild winter climate, simply move it into a garage or shed, cover the pot with a thick layer of bags or moleskin or shredded paper and leave it there.
Old heather can also be used to make artichoke stems. Cut off sets of stems that are 6 inches long and any smaller for use as tender greens in salads. Stems and leaves from heather can also be dried on boards.
5. Liquid feeds
Liquid feeds are good for container grown plants whether they are vegetables or herbs. They are very easy to use and can be diluted to suit the individual needs of the plants.
Liquid feeds are particularly good for watering the foliage of certain plants, especially succulents, that tend to have dry roots. They can also be used as a general feed.
6. The organic route
If you are growing vegetables on a plot, or you offer herbs as a decorative feature, consider covering the herbs with nettles to encourage beneficial wasps. nettles are also useful in the garden for repelling pests like aphids. Spraying with nettles is a good way to avoid using too much commercial insecticide.
Although I haven’t tried this, I am told that a rumpee is a particularly good companion for tomatoes. The rumpee’s action is to release a substance that causes the tomato to ripen more quickly, and also contains a substance that deters the tomato worm.
7. Blossoms for colour
Variegated varieties of pollen flower more frequently than do white varieties. They also produce more of the larger blooms.
sepals and petals – try the rose-purple Passion Flower or the white variegated Coral Bells for great architectural interest and poplar-like blossoms.
sepals (when flowers are dry – this can be an important point)
petals (when flowers are wet – this can also be a point)
cornus alba ‘Blues’ which has a red-purple centre surrounded by a yellow band of pink
C Coral Bells which have white petals Growing Fuchsia in Water
Cotinus Curdus which has white petals surrounded by soft pink veining
Tomatoes are sun lovers and grow well under these roofs.
8. Birds
Birds are also important in gardens. Whilst you can largely fend them off by covering your head, there are plants that you can use to attract them, like hawkmower (Doxin secundatum) andplexolai (Impatiens Psittacina) which are also weeds. Growing Fuchsia in Water