I noticed that it was getting a bit leggy today so I spent some time pinching it back and taking some cuttings. Apparently fuchsias are easy to propagate via stem cuttings so I thought I would give it a try!

The Winston Churchill Fuchsia can withstand temperatures as low as 35 degrees and prefers light shade, sun to shady conditions. It blooms in the summer and fall. The blooms are simply amazing, they are pink & purple and are so unique (click here to see a Google image search showing these stunning blooms!! I can’t wait for mine to start blooming!

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The great thing about bulbs, tubers and corms is that they usually will re-flower year after year when given the right growing conditions and care. Specifically calla lilies are grown from tubers and bloom in late spring and are considered “perennial bulbs” that will return year after year.

They are hardy in zones 9 & 10 and can be left in the ground between blooming seasons, in all other zones they will need to be dug up, dried and stored during the winter. Calla lilies don’t do well in frosty conditions and will often fail to return the next season if exposed to freezing temperatures.

The great thing about Calla lilies is that they can be grown as a houseplant easily. As houseplants they should be given a 2 to 3 month rest period without moisture once they bloom. Flowers will fade and can be cut back but the leaves will remain green until you reduce the amount of water given. Reducing the water after flowering will initate the 2 to 3 month rest period. After this time has passed they should be repotted and lightly watered until new growth appears.

If you prefer to grow your calla lilies outdoors you can start your in indoors in later winter and transplant them outdoors after your last frost in the spring, the calla lilies will grow and bloom through spring, summer and even fall but will need to be dug up, divided and stored during the winter if you aren’t in zones 9 or 10.

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Anyway, wanted to take to opportunity to share a beautiful orchid photo I took. I love trying to capture beauty with my camera. You can buy a copy of the orchid shot by clicking on the image (wink, wink). Many of my other photographs are for sale @ http://talinan.dpcprints.com

I actually forgot I was still selling some of my photos till today and I thought some color would be nice on this gloomy, cold February day. Hopefully you all are staying warm!

Oh, if you are interested in growing orchids here is what I learned about the growing conditions of mine:

Phalaenopsis Orchid Growing Info-

Needs daytime temperatures between 70 & 90 degrees and nighttime temperatures between 60 & 70 degrees. Will need watter every 5-7 days to stay evenly moist. Keep the foliage dry and water in the morning. This orchid can only tolerate moderate indirect light and it does best when fertilized 1-2 times per month.

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