Gardening : Mail-Order Fuchsias

Nurseries specializing in fuchsias are few and far between--even along the coast where fuchsias flourish. The newest of Southern California’s fuchsia growers is the Fuchsia Cottage in Ventura.

Located behind a lattice-bedecked cottage, this aptly named business is primarily a mail-order source of fuchsias. Its catalogue describes more than 550 fuchsia cultivars, including many newly introduced varieties as well as hundreds of old favorites and species.

For beginning fuchsia growers, the Fuchsia Cottage offers two special groups of 20 basket or 20 upright cultivars, guaranteed to be easy to grow. Mail-order plants are small-rooted cuttings and cost $2 each. Larger plants are available to visitors, but the nursery is open only by appointment.

To receive the catalogue, send $3 (refundable with the first order) to the Fuchsia Cottage, 94 N. Santa Rosa, Ventura, Calif. 93001. To make an appointment to visit, call (805) 648-1530.