Phygelius x rectus
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CAPE FUCHSIA
Family: Scrophulariaceae
Pronounced: foo-GAY-lee-us
GROWING GUIDE
Geographic Origin:
South Africa.
Plant Group:
Shrub.
Hardiness:
Sunset zones: 4-9, 14-24, H1, H2.
USDA zones: 7-9.
Heat zones: 9-8.
Mature size:
Height: 5 feet (1.5 m).
Width: 5 feet (1.5 m).
Flowering period:
Summer.
Flowering attributes:
Tubular, orange-red flowers with yellow throats.
Leaf attributes:
Four-inch long, deep green, ovate leaves.
Growth habit:
Suckering shrub.
Light:
Full sun.
Soil:
Moist, well-drained, fertile soil.
Propagation Methods:
Sow seed in spring. | Softwood cuttings in late spring. | Remove suckers in spring.
Pruning Methods:
In the Northwest cut back to the ground in spring.
Rainy Side Notes
Related to Penstemons and snapdragons (Antirrhinum), the two Phygelius species originate from South Africa. A cross between P. aequalis and P. capensis produced Phygelius x rectus. All species and cultivars are hardy here in the Pacific Northwest's maritime climate. P x rectus remains evergreen in my own garden; however, it sometimes appears ratty towards the end of winter. A good pruning in early spring improves the plant's appearance and it quickly grows back to its full glory. Since this suckering shrub creeps, you want to site it carefully away from small plants. Isolated, you can easily dig out its suckering stems. Planting it in a container keeps it from spreading in the garden, but during winter, it requires growing in a greenhouse or other protected spot.
Cape fuchsias benefit from a dry mulch in winter. Hummingbirds flock to this excellent nectar source.
Debra Teachout-Teashon
Photographed in author's garden.
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