I'm so sad :( Some of my fuchsias are looking, well, almost dead. They are looking dried up, shriveling, gasping...Some are okay so far. I've planted them in different locations to see what they can tolerate in Houston. Are there any insects that could be killing them? Here is a pic of one that is dying, planted in full sun.
Here's my beautiful Blue Eyes :( It's planted in a more shady spot.
And this is another, next to Blue Eyes. If you can tell from pictures what is wrong, please let me know if I can save them! Thanks! Janet
Against a brick wall in full sun might be to much heat. Put them in the shade and take off the old dry leaves, pinch back a bit and water well. Chances are they will snap back. Only the hardy fuchsia can take full sun and they also will suffer if it get really hot.
I did that before I read this post! I also sprayed with neem oil in case it is a buggie, which it may be, or fungus? So I either finished killing them or they may come back. The thing is that they are planted in different places, some in full sun, some in part or full shade and all of the have done this or are infected. I guess it WAS an experiment to see if they'd grow in Houston... I'll report back with an update... Janet
What are those other two shrubs in the pictures?
The first picture has Purple Bottlebrush Callistemon rugulosus 'Violaceus', that I bought 6 of from The Desert Northwest.
The second picture has the bottom of Salvia 'Mystic Spires Blue'; and the third picture has Azalea Rhododendron 'Red Ruffles'.
I thought they looked like rhodies but didn't know you could grow them in Texas. Neat.
Very definitely can grow here and all along the Gulf Coast. The full size azaleas do well, even in the sun. I put my semi dwarfs in part shade and they do well. When we moved into this house, the builders had planted azalea "trees" in the front beds, in full scorching sun. They croaked, even though I transplanted them to the back. In Louisiana where I am from, lots of people plant Bridal Wreath Spiraea Spiraea prunifolia alternately with them. Gorgeous in springtime :)
Bridal Wreath Spiraea is one of my favorites. I used to have two beautiful ones but put them in the wrong spot and ended up giving them to the Master Gardeners for their plant sale. I'm soon moving and will have great spots for a few more. Thanks for the reminder. That does sound like a good pairing.
Do any of you know where to get the frameworks for the fuchsia hats? To make trees? I have looked and looked and normally when I ask the clerks all I get is a vacant stare. Thanks, Jeanette
