Fuchias Assorted $15

The two different-color sets of petals that make up the intricate blooms of fuchsia actually aren't petals. Instead, the four outer "petals" are called sepals. These protect the inner parts of the flowers from damage. Once the sepals open, the actual petals are revealed. There are usually four petals inside, often a deep purple color. However, there are now many varieties with petals that swirl and twist to even more interesting shapes and color combinations.

Fuchsias, as a whole, can be a little temperamental. Many species stop producing flowers in too much heat. In warmer climates, look for heat-tolerant selections so they don't wither away in the summer heat. One way to help prevent problems during the hottest months is to make sure your plants have shade from the afternoon sun.

Another important note is that fuchsia doesn't like to sit in water. The plant does, however, like to be consistently moist. Finding the right amount of water can be a little tricky. Plant them in a well-drained potting mix and keep them always watered.

To help maintain the constant blooms of fuchsia, pinch off spent flowers. This will allow plants to focus more energy on creating new buds instead of producing seed. If left on the plants, blooms may produce dark purple berries. These edible berries are often used to make a fuchsia berry preserve. Unfortunately, while all varieties are edible, many modern types aren't tasty.