What a joy to have Sterling as my son! He is the most fantastic son a father could ever hope to have. Excellent student, morally strong, kind and loving, I could never hope for any greater gift. But, alas, I received three very beautiful, and loved fushias for Father's Day, 2007.

Fusias have been a favorite of mine since we were first married and living in a rental home owned by Mrs. Johnson. Our little home was on North Lincoln in Santa Maria and is where we first started our business. On the north side of the house there were several, standard fushias similar in form to the photo at right. The fushias were very old and established and did well along the side of the house.

Later, when we moved we planted fushias from time to time but each year they would get some type of mite and eventually looked very ugly and died. After time we gave up on fushias alltogher. It was during this season that I noticed that fushias seemed to be suffering in every garden I encountered. I eventually inquired at the garden center and found that there was a problem affecting fushias along the coast.

Today, I don't know how long these beautiful fushias will last or if they will suffer the plight of the past but I am thoroughly enjoying the vibrant, romantic hanging baskets Sterling and Mia have given for Father's Day.

Fushia is both the common and botanical name for perhaps a hundred or more species of plants mostly native to South America. Most garden cultivars are hybrids of a few dozen species. Fuchsias are very popular garden plants on the Central Coast and do well in full sun or part shade. Once established they need little care.

The Fuchsias I received where in hanging basket form, the type that comes with a plastic plant hanger. I am not into the plastic hangers and had a perfect place to hang the three gardens so I fashioned new hangers out of copper refrigeration line which fully supports the plants in and which will develope a lovely patina. Because I wanted to "tier" two of the plants from my patio cover I created one hanger which does just that and I am very pleased with the results. Perhaps I will get around to writing an article on the technique for creating copper plant hangers and put a few pictures up.

Fuchsias are available in many colors and bi-colors including white, violet, purple, pink and reds. Fuchsias are naturals at attracting hummingbirds and will bloom from Spring to Fall if properly cared for. Fuchsias grow as hanging baskets, bushes or can be trained as standards. Fuchsias are not available as cut flowers and generally not availble as potted plants from florists.

Environment: Fuchsias grow well along the coast in part shade areas. Some will acclimate to full sun but part sun is recommended

Watering: Keep soil evenly moist. Water as often as the soil becomes slightly dry, however, never let a fuchsia wilt, as this will contribute to bud drop. Hanging baskets need special attention as they can dry out quickly in hot summer weather.

Feeding: I use Osmocote® Outdoor & Indoor Smart Release® Plant Food for my blooming plants.

Pruning: Pinching the tips off some longer branches forces growth into side branches making the plant bushier and improves blossoming. Pick off old flowers as they fade and never allow berries to form if you can help it. They reduce flower production. Berries have a grape/pepper flavor and are not poisonous though I don’t really think they are regularly consumed.

Pests: Fuchsias are susceptible to aphids, spider mites and whiteflies. Use Insecticidal Soap to control. If not controlled, they cause the leaves to yellow and drop