| Common Name | Phygelius, Cape Fuchsia, Cape Figwort |
| Genus | Phygelius |
| Species | x rectus |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Tray Size | 32 |
| Plug Care |
Harden off and plant out, or bump up plugs soon after receiving them. When planting out be sure you to not bury the crowns. Plant the plugs so that the top of the growing medium is level with the soil. |
| Netting / Staking | Not necessary. |
| Temperature Range | Hardiness zones 7-10. This is not a plant for northern growers, unless it's going in a minimally heated greenhouse. |
| Spacing | 24" |
| Soil Preference | Well drained soil of average fertility. Let the soil dry out moderately between waterings but never dry out completely. Phygelius do not mind damp conditions and require regular irrigation, but good drainage is essential - especially in the winter. Fertilize weekly or every two weeks during the active growth season using a balanced water soluble fertilizer. |
| Day Length | Day-neutral plants. Plant in full sun to partial shade. |
| Pinching | Phygelius respond well to pinching, pinch early to promote more basal branching. |
| When to Plant | Plant in spring after last frost date through to mid summer to give the plants enough time to get established before the onset of winter weather. |
| Harvesting | Harvest when 1/3 of the individual flowers on an inflorescence are open and buds will continue to open in the vase. |
| Post Harvest Care | Expect a vase life of a week. Phygelius have not been extensively trialed as a cut flower even though there is major potential there. Little is known about proper post harvest care and some experimentation might be needed to find the best post harvest solution. |
| Diseases / Insects | These are vigorous plants with no major pests or diseases to report. |
| Bailey's Notes |
This is one of those hard to find perennials that can bloom all season long if flowers are continually cut or deadheaded. They are adored by hummingbirds for their tubular, nodding flowers. Although the common name for this species denotes that they are 'fuchsia', Phygelius are not fuchsia and are actually more closely related to foxgloves. Wild type Phygelius spread via underground runners and can form quite large patches after a few seasons. COLORBURST series Phygelius have been bred to not spread in this manner and are more polite in their growth habit, remaining where they are planted. |
| Resources | NA |