I bought this plant a few days ago at a farm and ranch store with a garden/nursery area, and it had no tag on it. I have no idea what it is, and no one at the store knew either. The blooms are a little past prime, but hopefully they are still in good enough shape to get an ID. Any suggestions?

Ah-oh! You pruchased a Fushia. It will never survive your winters in the ground. If you have room for a winter houseplant, pot it up.

It looks more like Phygelius capensis.

Sue's right. It's not a fuchsia.

That looks more like it. Cape Fuchsia, not fuchsia Fuchsia. Can't spell either.

The bad news is still the same - I can't think of anyplace in Idaho this plant would live outside.

Not necessarily bad. Most of them are hardy to zone 7 and some are even hardy to zone 6.

@kniphofia

Sue, thanks so much for the ID! I would have never guessed that! I'm not sure that I've ever seen a Cape Fuchsia in person before, and now I have one!

I'm hopeful that it will survive. I noticed just a few minutes ago that the little pot was inside another pot, and when I removed it, there was the name of the nursery that grew it! I'll give them a call on Monday to see if they can provide more information. The nursery is in the Spokane area, which is much colder than I am, and it was being sold as a perennial. I know that doesn't mean that it will be a perennial for me, but I have high hopes that it will do okay. I live in a somewhat warm zone compared to most parts of the state. Most people think that North central Idaho is frozen solid during Winter, but that isn't the case where I live. My elevation is only 1,750 feet, and I'm on the South facing side of a river canyon, which really helps!

The best part is that I only paid $1 for the plant, so if it doesn't make it, no big loss! I'll probably plant it up against our shop, which will provide it with extra warmth during the winter, and I'll hope for the best!

Thank you all for the help! It's truly appreciated!

I give. Where do you live? North Central Idaho. Salmon? Challis? Arco?? Apparently a banana belt.

It's gorgeous & I'm jealous!!!!!

I know nothing, nothing at all about these plants but that stem looks like it's a natural for cutting off & sticking in soil & rooting. Anyone?

Yes, all that. Plant the runners (yes, they do that), take tip cuttings. Easy to grow. Now, to find a plant.....

Daisy, I'm between Lewiston and Orofino, just above the Clearwater River, and we're in a banana belt.

Ann, I know nothing at all about them either! I can't remember even hearing about them until today, so I have a lot to learn! I'm totally familiar with regular Fuchsia's, and I didn't realize that there were any others than what my grandmother grew. She had Fuchsia trees, for lack of a better term! I think she bought them as potted plants before I was born, and stuck them in the ground, and they grew about 8 to 10 feet tall. I've never seen any others like hers, and I sure do miss them.

Hi Natalie. Check out this 10 ft grower.

http://www.finegardening.com/f...

and you may find others in this link

http://www.nwfuchsiasociety.co...

I just had to post this picture of my uncle in front of one of Grandma's Fuchsia trees! This wasn't even the big one, but it was big!



At least I know now that Cape Fuchsia is in no way related to these other Fuchsia's. That makes me less worried about them surviving!

@Moonhowl Jean, we cross posted. Thanks for the links!

You are most welcome. From what I read, the shrub fuchsias are hardy zones 6 to 9. and the first link says that one has a number of cultivars. Seems like you could have your picture taken in front of one in your yard...make it a family tradition..

Jean, that was great information! I need to find a spot at my house for one of them! I'm seriously lacking on shade here, and we can get blazing hot in the summer, but I'm determined now! Thanks!

Cross posted again!

@Natalie my pleasure. fingers crossed there is a heat resistant one also.

I'd be so excited about that! I may have even found a spot!

Good luck.