You may recall that a few weeks I reported a problem with one of the
fuchsias in my garden.

I was given a couple of possible causes but now I do not think either was
correct so I'll reiterate and enlarge.

Firstly, the plant is over six years old, came from the Duchy of Cornwall
nursery in Lostwithiel and is named "Madam Cornelissen". It's label
describes it as a, "Hardy fuchsia with showy red and white semi double
flowers in summer & autumn. Good coastal plant. Any soil in sun or shade."

The problem first manifested itself last year and we cut it right back to
see if it would recover this year. It did and has given a wonderful display
but a few weeks ago one of the branches started showing signs of dying. The
leaves started to shrivel and the flowers on the branch died. Had it been a
small plant I would have blamed a tom cat but now the tallest branch to die
in over three feet tall - some cat!!

A few minutes ago I inspected some of the four or so affected branches, some
of their leaves are brown and shrivelled whilst others are green but
dehydrated to crispness. I bent two dead looking branches and indeed they
are dead; each snapped cleanly and there is no sign of green in the
fracture.

The tallest branch of the plant is healthy looking, about 4 feet high and
smothered in blossom and buds as are the shorter but unaffected branches.

On the I.W. we have had no frost and anyway the plant's in a fairly
sheltered place which receives good sunlight in the afternoons. Just a few
feet away are other plants which show no signs of distress so I do not think
possible dryness has a bearing on the cause and anyway, all the plant's
branches would be showing the same symptoms.

Any reasons for the plant's distress would be most welcome.

Regards

Geoff