i tried a fuchsia but it looks miserable in a barrel planter which is in the shade - would a rosemary or margarite tree fare any better? Some impulse purchases I didn't check growing conditions for!
Fuchsias don't do too well in exposed places. Could your barrel be in an exposed and windy location? Dropping buds can be a common problem when newly planted, many bedding and even shrubs are grown in very protected places and kept in warm environments to encourage early flowering, but in reality, when planted outside, buds can fall off or shrivel. With a bit of patience, they will rejuvenate provided it is not too exposed.
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