They not only grow well, some grow too well. The amount of flowering will usually depend on the amount of sun, more sun more flowers. Average water requirements. Al

Mine are doing best in morning sun and then shade later on so it sounds like the bay area should be perfect. I saw hydrangeas at half moon bay in full sun and fuchsias and begonias out in the sun in San Francisco so I would think that you have what they would like best. Mine are flowering right now and then will stay green until later when they go dormant for the winter. Yours may not go dormant but if they do don't think that they have died. They don't seem to like pots very well but once they are in the ground they will spread out over time if you give them a good soil.

thank you al and kitty for your advice! my area is a little south of san jose and is one of the hottest driest valley areas down here so i think i will tuck it away in the ground where it will have filtered afternoon sun.
it has 5 buds ready to pop so i will at least have the pleasure of seeing them this autumn no matter how it grows (or not) next year. min