Despite the slightly offputting name, I sprung for Fuchsia ‘Dying Embers’ on my 5th-ish lap around the hardy fuchsia table for its compact form and hardiness to Zone 7. Named for the blossoms’ deep purple, almost black corolla, Dying Embers also sports deep, glossy green leaves – which were honestly what drew me in more than the flowers. (I’m a foliage gal, a trait probably fostered by years of shade gardening where flowers are few and far between).

I’ve sited it in a spot that gets a 3-hour blast of afternoon sun but is otherwise reasonably shady, next to a chartreuse Hosta ‘Satisfaction’ – which makes a pretty stunning combo. And it’s flowered quite well for the first year in the ground.

I have a few other fuchsias, which are some of the garden’s most reliable shrubs/perennials. Ever on the lookout for carefree plants, I typically scope out the seasonal hardy fuchsia selection at Sky Nursery and our local annual Garden Market. Unfortunately, many of the cultivars are only hardy to Zone 8, which gives me pause given our cold snaps in recent years, which have taken out several of my Zone 8 plants.

I think Dying Embers will do quite well given its sheltered location; the only question is how it will weather the dryish soil around the base of our thirsty Blue Atlas Cedar, an area that seems to go from moist to bone dry in the span of two weeks around mid-July. I will strive to post a progress update in 2024!