Fuchsias can provide part of the solution - they happily grow in the shade or morning sun.

Suitable growing conditions include soil that is kept moist and protection from wind and frost.

I will admit that fuchsias can occasionally be difficult to grow - this can be attributed to humid summers.

During December they will be short on nitrogen and looking a little bedraggled.

The lack of nitrogen causes a semi-dormancy period which is the plant's way of counteracting our hot summers.

During this period of hibernation, fuchsias are not growing a great deal and should only be watered sparingly.

When the weather cools down about April they will begin to grow again.

Prune down to the last pair of leaves on each stem and fertilise with a slow-release fertiliser.

Once the plant starts to re-grow, pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushy growth, remembering that fuchsias flower on new wood. Approximately six weeks after pruning the first flowers should appear.

At this time fertilise with Flourish to give the plant a boost.

Although fuchsias normally do not like full sun, this spring there is a new release, Electric Lights, which thrives in the full sun.

It will flower profusely for most of the year apart from that dormant period in autumn when pruning is done.

This hardy plant will grow to 70cm and can be grown as a low flowering hedge or just as a spectacular potted patio plant for colour.