phygelius
( fye - jeel - EE - us )
At-A-Glance InformationPhygelius, commonly called Cape Figwort or Cape Fuchsia, is a flowering perennial that needs full sun to light shade and regular water. This plant is native to South Africa, and the flowers will attract hummingbirds to the garden. Summer flowers droop off of stem tips in small clusters, and are tubular.; they bloom in a variety of colors. Individual plants are usually 3-4 feet tall and just as wide, spreading via underground stems and branches that take root where they touch the ground to form colonies. Above-ground plant parts will die to the ground in frosty conditions, but will regrow from roots in springtime.
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Phygelius Species and Varietals
Phygelius is a member of the plant family Scrophulariaceae and includes just two species. Although they are commonly called Cape Figwort or Cape Fuchsia, they are not related to either Figworts (Scrophularia spp.) or Fuchsias. This genus typically grows best in zones 4-9, 14-24, H1 and H2. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Phygelius aequalis
These plants are native to South Africa, and form semi-evergreen shrubs that reach about three feet tall and just as wide. This species has pyramidal-shaped 10-inch long clusters of dusty rose to crimson flowers with yellow throats, though varietals have differently-colored blooms. Popular selections are outlined below.
These plants are native to South Africa, and form semi-evergreen shrubs that reach about three feet tall and just as wide. This species has pyramidal-shaped 10-inch long clusters of dusty rose to crimson flowers with yellow throats, though varietals have differently-colored blooms. Popular selections are outlined below.
Phygelius capensis Native to South Africa and Lesotho, these plants have an open, sprawling habit with loose clusters of orange-reddish flowers. These semi-evergreen shrubs reach about 47 inches tall and 59 inches wide, producing orange-pink tubular flowers on spikes. Flowers often point back towards the stems of plants. Blooming season is long; up to 6 months in mild climates (from May through November in its native range). |
Phygelius x rectus
This group of hybrid Cape Fuchsias includes many different colored flowers, and is the result of hybridizing the previous two species, Phygelius aequalis and Phygelius capensis. Most are created and bred in the UK. Varieties are listed below.
This group of hybrid Cape Fuchsias includes many different colored flowers, and is the result of hybridizing the previous two species, Phygelius aequalis and Phygelius capensis. Most are created and bred in the UK. Varieties are listed below.
Caring for Phygelius
Mulch roots in cold weather regions to ensure the plant's roots stay alive over winter.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 502 - 503, Phygelius
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