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Robert343Robert343 Posts: 53
in Problem solving

Hello All!

This is my first post and I hope you don't think I am being silly. What I would like to know is how to point my plants in the right direction. Is it N-S-E-W? The reason being: there is no shade in my garden except for a canopy I made myself. The sun starts in the East and makes its way over all the garden until it sets.

I have two variegated fuchsia which I want to put in a planter which will face N-E to East. The RHS guidelines say "South-facing or East-facing or West-facing". Will they survive?

Thank You

Posts

  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,121

    Hello Robert343

     Full sun all day ? Are you inhabiting a desert island ? image Seriously though , I know many people who have mature Fuchsia shrubs (mainly F.magellanica and its many forms) growing in full sunshine , half-shade , full shade and even under the drip of trees on wet days ! They are very hardy and can be cut to ground if damaged in an exceptionally severe winter .

    Plant wherever you think suitable , but if in planters remember to keep moist . Good luck !

  • Robert343Robert343 Posts: 53

    Hello Paul. Thank You for the prompt response and for the useful tips. Desert Island? If only! West Yorkshire. When I moved in a year ago it was like a bowling green. I had to build a canopy to protect my collection of Acers.  The wall of the house - facing East to South gets so hot - 47c - it scorched an ivy this year. Wall troughs need soaking twice a day.

    I already have one Magellarnica called "Lazy". Had it for years and is quite small and chooses when it likes to flower. I've bought two more today.

    Thank You again Paul. Great and knowledgable people on this site.

    Have a pleasant weekend.

    image

  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,121

    PS :- sounds like a sensible idea re:- your Acers !!

  • Robert343Robert343 Posts: 53

    image

    Here are the Acers Paul. Nice and happy in their new home.

  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,121

    Very very nice ; I am impressed by your obvious knowledge and skill to cultivate such specimens . Your canopy looks very professionally constructed , I'm quite jealous as I'm about as practical as a motor-cycle with no wheels !

    I'll just stick with the plants image

  • Robert343Robert343 Posts: 53

    I love them all Paul - Seriously! I check them each day, especially the Atropurpureum Dissectum at the rear. I grafted her over 25 years ago. I have to be careful checking on the moisture because the 'umbrella' foliage can stop the rain getting to the roots. As of today, the one one the right, at the front 'Beni Schichihenge' is truly beautiful with all its multi coloured foliage.

    I have two large 'Skeeters Broom' I have been testing in the sun. Last year they got scorched at the top but this year they seem to be adapting. I love experimenting to see what will adapt by moving just a few feet/metres.

    One thing I learned. Bark mulch is bad. Leaving aside it being a breeding ground for the nasty insects, it also absorbs too much water when it rains thus depriving the plant. I find 10mm gravel works well at keeping down weeds.

    ?

  • Paul B3Paul B3 Posts: 3,121

    Thanks Robert343 ; looks like an excellent and representative collection .

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