Fuchsia arborescens

Fuchsia arborescens. A native to Central America with lush foliage. The leaves are arranged in a whorl, three at each node. Each carefully positioned around the stem from the base up, to gain maximum benefit from the sun’s energy. A conspicuous terminal panicle of miniature, light purple flowers gives reason to grow this tender member of Onagraceae. Take a moment to look closely at these individual flowers, their shape is composed of curved and angular lines topped by a prominent stigma also light purple in colour. Be quick to appreciate this specimen growing in the border to the south of the front range with the added benefit of residual heat from the glass houses before it succumbs to the combination of a clear sky, frosty temperature and bright sunshine in the early morning.

The weather conditions during the past two months have been exceptional for late autumn colour. Make the most of the remaining blooms on Salvia, Tulbaghia, Nerine and other representatives of South Africa’s flora. Future frosts and shorter days will cull much of this prolonged floral display.