What hardiness zones is Phygelius x rectus Hybrids suitable for?

Phygelius x rectus Hybrids is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7, 8, 9.

What are the sun requirements for Phygelius x rectus Hybrids?

Phygelius x rectus Hybrids requires Full Sun.

How much water does Phygelius x rectus Hybrids need?

Phygelius x rectus Hybrids has Medium water needs.

Phygelius x rectus Hybrids, cape fuchsia

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Perennials

Phygelius x rectus Hybrids

cape fuchsia

Scrophulariaceae

Garden origin; parents from Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, and Lesotho, South Africa

At a Glance

TypePerennial

HabitUpright

FoliageSemi-evergreen

Height36-48 inches (90-120 cm)

Width36-48 inches (90-120 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 9

Zone 7

Zone 8

Zone 9

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators

Attracts Hummingbirds

Deer Resistant

Container Friendly

Maintenancelow

Overview

A group of upright, suckering subshrubs in the family Scrophulariaceae, derived from crosses between Phygelius aequalis and P. capensis, both native to the rocky stream banks and moist slopes of South Africa. Phygelius x rectus hybrids form spreading, rhizomatous clumps of erect, four-angled stems 36–48 inches (90–120 cm) tall bearing 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 are produced 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 their native habitat; in temperate gardens they attract bumblebees and other long-tongued pollinators. Plants spread steadily by underground runners, forming colonies over time. Hardy in zones 7–9 with a sheltered position; plants die back to the root crown in cold winters and resprout vigorously in spring. Non-toxic.

Native Range

Phygelius x 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

Planted in mixed perennial borders, against warm sheltered walls, and in courtyard gardens at 30–36 inch (75–90 cm) spacing. The pendant tubular flowers in warm tones combine well with blue and purple late-summer perennials (agastache, salvia, veronicastrum). Effective as a late-season specimen alongside ornamental grasses. In containers (minimum 10-gallon / 38L), makes an outstanding patio plant overwintered under cover in zones below 7.

How to Identify

Identified by erect, four-angled stems bearing opposite, dark green ovate leaves, topped with panicles of pendant, tubular, curved flowers 1.25–2 inches (3–5 cm) long in red, orange, salmon, pink, or creamy yellow, produced from midsummer through fall. The combination of four-angled stems, one-sided panicles of pendant tubular flowers in warm colors, and spreading by underground runners is distinctive. Cultivar flower color varies widely.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height3' - 4'

Width/Spread3' - 4'

Colors

Flower Colors

red

orange

salmon

pink

yellow

cream

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~14 weeks

SummerFall

Blooms July through October in zones 7–9, producing pendant tubular flowers continuously over 14–16 weeks. New panicles emerge from stem tips and lateral branches throughout the season. In the Pacific Northwest (zones 7–8), performs exceptionally well in sheltered, sunny positions, often blooming 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 depending on cultivar; pendant tubular curved flowers in one-sided panicles

Foliage Description

dark green, opposite, lance-shaped to ovate; four-angled stems

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Partial Shade

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

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loamsand

Drainage

moist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist, well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Requires consistent moisture during the growing season — reduce watering as plants enter dormancy in fall. In zone 7, plant against a warm, sheltered wall and mulch heavily in fall. Spreads by underground runners — contain at the perimeter annually with a sharp spade. 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 is the most important annual task, stimulating the most vigorous and floriferous new growth. In zones 8–9, stems may overwinter above ground; cut back by half to two-thirds. 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

early springfall

Maintenance Level

low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 10 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic