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Phygelius x rectus Hybrids
cape fuchsia
Hybrid of garden origin; parent species {P. aequalis} and {P. capensis} are native to the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Lesotho in South Africa, growing on rocky moist stream banks, cliff faces, and waterfall margins in partial shade to full sun; the pendant tubular curved flower form is adapted for hummingbird pollination in the species' native habitat, and temperate-garden plantings continue to draw hummingbirds as the primary pollinator
At a Glance
TypePerennial
HabitUpright
FoliageSemi-evergreen
Height36-48 inches (90-120 cm)
Width36-48 inches (90-120 cm)
Maturity2 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
7 - 9These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
What's my zone? →Frost Tolerancehardy
Overview
Phygelius × rectus Hybrids are upright suckering subshrubs in the figwort family (Scrophulariaceae) derived from crosses between P. aequalis and P. capensis, both native to the rocky stream banks and moist slopes of South Africa. Plants form spreading rhizomatous clumps of erect four-angled stems 36-48 inches (90-120 cm) tall carrying opposite dark green lance-shaped to ovate leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long. From midsummer through fall, terminal and axillary panicles of pendant tubular curved flowers 1.25-2 inches (3-5 cm) long open in a wide color range across named cultivars: 'African Queen' (deep red), 'Salmon Leap' (orange-salmon), 'Moonraker' (creamy yellow), 'Devil's Tears' (red with yellow throat), and 'Trewidden Pink' (soft pink). The flowers are adapted for hummingbird pollination in the species' native habitat; in temperate gardens they draw bumblebees and other long-tongued pollinators alongside hummingbirds. Plants spread steadily by underground runners, forming colonies over time and needing perimeter control in small garden beds. Growth rate is moderate. Hardy to USDA zone 7 with a sheltered position; plants die back to the root crown in cold winters and resprout vigorously in spring.
Native Range
Phygelius × rectus Hybrids are of garden origin, bred from P. aequalis and P. capensis, both native to the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Lesotho in South Africa, growing on rocky moist stream banks, cliff faces, and waterfall margins in partial shade to full sun.Suggested Uses
Used in mixed perennial borders, against warm sheltered walls, and in courtyard gardens in zones 7-9 at 30-36 inch (75-90 cm) spacing. The pendant tubular flowers in warm tones combine with blue and purple late-summer perennials such as agastache, salvia, and veronicastrum for color contrast through the August-October window. Suits late-season specimen positions alongside ornamental grasses. Containers of 10 gallons (38 L) minimum carry the mature plant size on patios and overwinter under cover in zones below 7. Hummingbird-visited through the fall migration period, which makes the group a reliable late-season nectar source.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 4'
Width/Spread3' - 4'
Reaches mature size in approximately 2 years
Bloom Information
Blooms July through October in zones 7-9, carrying pendant tubular flowers continuously across a 14-16 week bloom window. New panicles emerge from stem tips and lateral branches through the season. In the Pacific Northwest (zones 7-8), plants grow strongly in sheltered sunny positions and often bloom until mid-October. Lightly shearing after the first flush of bloom encourages a fresh wave of lateral panicles in late summer.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Red, orange-salmon, pink, creamy yellow, or bicolor combinations depending on cultivar; pendant tubular curved flowers 1.25-2 inches (3-5 cm) long carried in terminal and axillary one-sided panicles — cultivar examples include 'African Queen' (deep red), 'Salmon Leap' (orange-salmon), 'Moonraker' (creamy yellow), 'Devil's Tears' (red with yellow throat), 'Trewidden Pink' (soft pink)Foliage Description
Dark green opposite lance-shaped to ovate leaves 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long carried on four-angled stemsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to partial shade in moist well-drained fertile soil at pH 6.0-7.5. Consistent moisture through the growing season supports the long bloom window; irrigation can be reduced as plants enter dormancy in fall. In zone 7, a warm sheltered wall position and heavy fall mulch support reliable overwintering. The species spreads by underground runners — annual perimeter control with a sharp spade contains the colony at its intended footprint. In zones below 7, grow in containers and overwinter frost-free at 40-50°F (4-10°C). Cut back hard in early spring to stimulate vigorous new growth from the base.Pruning
Cut back all stems hard to 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) in early spring before new growth begins — this step is the most important annual task and stimulates the most vigorous and floriferous new growth. In zones 8-9, stems may overwinter above ground; cut back by half to two-thirds in those zones. Remove runner suckers at the perimeter in spring and fall to control spread. Lightly shear spent panicles in late summer to encourage lateral branching and continued bloom.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early springfall
Maintenance Level
lowContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 10 gallons