Fuchsia Compendium

Fuchsia Compendium - O

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

ONAGRACEA - the Willow-herb family which contains Epilobium (Willow Herb), Ludwigia (Isnardia), Oenothera (Evening Primrose), and Circaea (Enchanters Nightshade). All found growing wild in the UK of the onagraceae family. Fuchsias are also a member of this family. No member of the order has any known properties of importance. The Fuchsia being the prettiest.

OPEN POLLINATION - a term used when flowers are allowed to pollinate themselves without any aid from humans.

OSMOCOTE - one of the many slow release fertiliser granules often mistaken for eggs in the compost..

OSMOSIS - the movement of liquid through a membrane from a low density solution to a high density solution: i.e. The transfer of a solution of fertiliser that is in the soil into the roots of the plant. An over dose of fertiliser will cause the reverse flow of the solution, from the plant back into the soil, hence the plant wilting.

OVARY - the swelling just above the tube. The female part of a plant within the flower where the seeds develop.

OVERWATERING - a sure way to kill your plants. If one gets too wet take it out of its pot and wrap it in newspaper and stand it on the upturned pot to let the air get to it. When it is dry, replace it in its pot.

OVERWINTERING - There are many different ways of over wintering fuchsias depending on where they are, how large, and if they are wanted as large structures the following year. i.e. Standards and Fans. All with the exception of plants being grown on the Biennial system are defoliated, kept just moist and stored in a frost free environment. Join a Fuchsia Society or buy one of the many good books available for more information.

OXYGEN - an odourless, tasteless and colourless gas that is essential to all plant and animal life. If you exclude oxygen by keeping your plants standing in water or having insufficient drainage perhaps you should try growing Scirpus.