Phygelius: Plant, cultivate and maintain

Botany

Phygelius, commonly known as Cape Fuchsia, is a perennial plant native to South Africa, where it grows on damp slopes, along watercourses and in forests, mainly in mountainous regions. There are only two species of Phygelius: Phygelius aequalis and Phygelius capensis. The latter is the hardiest, tolerating temperatures as low as -12°C, and even down to -15°C in well-drained soil and a sheltered position. There are also many varieties resulting from cross-breeding between these two species. The hybrids are classified under the name Phygelius x rectus.

Phygelius capensis and Phygelius aequalis are very similar, but the former has slightly shorter and wider flowers that are arranged all around the stems, while those of Phygelius aequalis are all positioned on the same side. In South Africa, Phygelius capensis grows at higher altitudes (up to 3000 metres), which explains its greater hardiness.

Phygelius belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family, along with Buddleia, Diascia, Nemesia and Verbascum. Despite its common name of Cape Fuchsia, Phygelius is not related to the true Fuchsia, which belongs to the Onagraceae family.

Phygelius capensis: Botanical illustration

Etymologically, the name Phygelius comes from the Greek Phyge: “refuge, shelter” and Helios: “sun”, as in South Africa it thrives in shady environments. However, in our climate, it is best planted in full sun. The species name capensis refers to its geographical origin, the Cape region of South Africa. The species name Phygelius aequalis means “equal, of similar size”.

Phygelius has a bushy habit and reaches between 60 cm and 1.50 m in height. When growing conditions are favourable, Phygelius produce underground stolons, allowing the original stump to gradually expand, but they do not become invasive.

Phygelius flowers in summer, usually between June and August, sometimes until the first frosts. Above the foliage, large, airy panicles unfold, measuring 15 to 30 cm in length. The flowering is generous, with a multitude of small tubular flowers, long and slender, composed of five fused petals. The flowers measure 2 to 6 cm long and are inclined towards the ground. Depending on the variety, the flowers are red, coral pink, orange or pale yellow. Some varieties, such as ‘African Queen’, have beautiful colouring at the tip of the corolla tube. It is interesting to place them at height to admire this colouring. The 4 stamens (male reproductive organs, bearing pollen) and the pistil (female reproductive organ, receiving pollen) protrude from the corolla tube. The stems bearing the flowers sometimes take on a lovely reddish to purplish hue. The flowering of Phygelius resembles that of fuchsia or penstemon, with a longer, slender floral tube.

The corolla tubes contain nectar that attracts pollinators, enabling Phygelius to reproduce. In South Africa, it is pollinated by birds as well as butterflies and bees.

The flowering of Phygelius ‘Yellow Trumpet’, Phygelius ‘Jodie Southon’ (photo peganum), Phygelius capensis (photo Adobe Stock) and Phygelius ‘Funfare Wine’

The foliage of Phygelius is semi-evergreen. It persists if the winter is not too cold, and disappears when temperatures drop below -7°C. New leaves will appear in spring.

Phygelius has simple, ovate to lanceolate, dark green leaves. They measure between 6 and 10 cm long. They are arranged in opposite pairs on the stems (two leaves inserted at the same level, facing each other), but sometimes alternately for the leaves at the top of the stems. There is a variety with chartreuse green, almost yellow foliage: Phygelius ‘Sunshine’. It is prized for its incredibly luminous foliage.

The fruit of Phygelius is an ovoid capsule, which at maturity opens by two valves to release the brown seeds it contains. Phygelius can be propagated by sowing, but also by propagation by cuttings or division.

The foliage of Phygelius (photos: Franz Xaver / Stan Shebs / Wouter Hagens)

The main varieties of Phygelius

Most Popular Varieties

Our Favourite Varieties

Other Varieties to Discover

Phygelius African Queen - Cape Fuchsia

This is a very beautiful variety bearing tubular coral pink-red flowers with a yellow throat. It is interesting to place it in an elevated position to admire the tip of the floral tube, coloured in yellow. It has been awarded the Award of Garden Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS).

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 90 cm

See the product sheet

Phygelius Moonraker - Cape Fuchsia

Phygelius ‘Moonraker’ bears inflorescences made up of long, very elongated tubular flowers in a creamy yellow colour. Their soft and luminous hue is much appreciated.

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 90 cm

See the product sheet

Phygelius Blacher - Cape Fuchsia

This variety offers beautiful bright red flowers, slightly pinkish, carried on purplish stems. It is ideal for enlivening the garden and adding colour to a flower bed!

• Flowering time July to September
• Height at maturity 75 cm

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Phygelius aequalis Pink Trumpet - Cape Fuchsia

This is a beautiful variety with salmon-pink flowers, of a rather soft and delicate shade.

• Flowering time August to November
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

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Phygelius capensis - Cape Fuchsia

This is the type species, as found in the wild, originating from the Cape in South Africa. It bears tubular orange-red flowers. Slightly more hardy than other varieties, it can withstand temperatures down to -12°C, or even -15°C in a sheltered position and in well-drained soil.

• Flowering time July to November
• Height at maturity 1 m

See the product sheet

Phygelius aequalis Yellow Trumpet - Cape Fuchsia

This variety offers a lovely soft yellow flowering.

• Flowering time August to November
• Height at maturity 1,50 m

See the product sheet

Phygelius Funfare Wine - Cape Fuchsia

The variety ‘Funfare Wine’, resulting from a cross-breeding between Phygelius aequalis and Phygelius capensis, produces numerous tubular purple-wine coloured flowers from June onwards.

• Flowering time July to October
• Height at maturity 50 cm

See the product sheet

Phygelius aequalis Croftway Yellow Sovereign - Cape Fuchsia

This variety offers a beautiful luminous flowering. Its stems bear long and slender tubular flowers, in a slightly brighter yellow than those of Phygelius ‘Yellow Trumpet’.

• Flowering time July to November
• Height at maturity 60 cm

See the product sheet

Planting

Where to Plant Phygelius?

Native to South Africa, Phygelius thrives in sunny and warm conditions. In the south of France, such as the Mediterranean basin where sunlight is abundant, you can safely plant it in partial shade, whereas in other regions, it’s best to plant Phygelius in full sun. Without enough sunlight, it tends to produce longer, weaker stems. Compared to Phygelius capensis, the species Phygelius aequalis tolerates shadier locations better.

Phygelius prefers fertile, clay-rich, and moist but well-drained soil, as it dislikes waterlogged conditions in winter. It is indifferent to pH levels—it grows equally well in acidic, neutral, or alkaline soils. Be cautious if you live near the coast, as Phygelius does not tolerate salt spray. In cooler regions, choose a spot sheltered from cold winds.

You can also grow Phygelius in a large pot, placed on a raised surface such as a wall, windowsill, or in a hanging basket. This showcases its trailing flowers, and the coloured throat of certain varieties (like Phygelius ‘African Queen’) can only be appreciated when viewed from below.

When to Plant?

The best time to plant Phygelius is in spring, around April.

How to Plant?

For the best effect, consider planting several young plants together, spacing them at least 50–60 cm apart.

In the ground:

1. Dig a large planting hole and loosen the soil deeply.
2. Add a mix of compost and garden soil to the bottom of the hole.
3. Plant the Phygelius.
4. Backfill with a mix of compost and soil.
5. Gently firm the soil around the root ball.
6. Water thoroughly.
7. Apply a layer of mulch around the stump.

In a pot:

1. Choose a large pot (with drainage holes at the base).
2. Add a drainage layer, such as clay pebbles, gravel, or broken pottery.
3. Fill the pot with compost.
4. Plant the Phygelius in the centre.
5. Backfill with compost.
6. Gently firm the soil.
7. Water well.

You can then place the pot in a sunny spot, such as on a patio.

Phygelius aequalis ‘New Scentsation’ (photo: M’s photography)

Maintenance

In South Africa, Phygelius typically grows in moist soil or along riverbanks: it therefore appreciates soil that remains relatively cool. Thus, we recommend regular watering, especially during summer. This will ensure a long and generous flowering period. Be vigilant with watering if you grow Phygelius in pots, as the substrate tends to dry out more quickly than in the ground. Don’t hesitate to apply a layer of organic mulch to keep the soil cool for longer. Additionally, this will protect the stump from cold during frost periods while limiting weed growth.

In mild climates where the risk of frost is low (such as the Mediterranean basin or the Atlantic coast), winter protection is unnecessary. In cooler regions, apply a thick layer of mulch around the clump in autumn. If grown in a pot, we advise moving it to a frost-free shelter.

Phygelius produces long, flexible shoots and large panicles that sometimes tend to droop. You can use discreet stakes to support them. We also recommend removing faded inflorescences, as this will encourage the plant to produce new ones, thus prolonging its flowering. In late winter or early spring, around March, prune hard, cutting stems back almost to ground level.

In mild climates and favourable conditions, Phygelius tends to sucker. This allows clumps to gradually expand, though it does not become invasive.

Phygelius is rarely affected by diseases and parasites. However, it may occasionally be attacked by Cionus scrophulariae, a small beetle that usually feeds on figworts.

Propagation

Sowing

Phygelius seeds should be sown in spring.

1. Prepare pots or a seed tray by filling them with special sowing compost, or a mixture of compost and sand.
2. Lightly firm down and level the surface.
3. Place the seeds on top.
4. Cover them with a thin layer of compost.
5. All that remains is to water gently and place the pots under cover.

The seeds will germinate within two weeks when kept at a temperature of 20°C to 25°C. If the temperature is lower, germination will take slightly longer. You can transplant the young plants outdoors after the last frosts.

Propagation by cuttings

Phygelius can be propagated by cuttings in spring, around May, or in midsummer.

1. Select a healthy stem and cut it just below a node to obtain a section 10 to 15 cm long.
2. Remove the leaves from the base, leaving only a few at the top of the stem.
3. Prepare a pot with compost.
4. Optionally dip the base of the stem in plant hormone.
5. Plant it in the compost, firming well around it to ensure good contact between the medium and the stem, avoiding air pockets.
6. Water.
7. Place the cutting under cover, in a bright spot but out of direct sunlight, ideally at around 20°C.

Keep the medium slightly moist. The cuttings should root in about 3 weeks.

Division of clumps

As Phygelius are suckering plants, they produce underground stolons, making it possible to take suckers to propagate the plant. The best time to do this is in March-April.

1. Choose a healthy, well-established clump.
2. Use a spade to dig it up, taking care to avoid damaging the roots.
3. Divide it into several sections, ensuring each has roots.
4. Replant in a new location or in pots.
5. Water generously.

Association

Phygelius is perfect for mixed borders, among other perennials with colourful flowering. You can create a bohemian-style garden, with flowers in warm hues and a light, airy style. Consider the red valerian, blanket flowers, Anthemis, and yarrows. Penstemons will also be excellent companions for phygelius: their flowering form, in panicles made up of small tubular flowers, will echo that of phygelius. The colourful blooms of dahlias will also integrate beautifully into this style of planting: those with very double flowers (such as ball and cactus dahlias) will add a refined effect, while single-flowered varieties will enhance the naturalistic, rustic atmosphere. Don’t hesitate to plant clumps of ornamental grasses among them, such as Stipa tenuifolia: its fine foliage and delicate spikes will sway gracefully in the wind. Still in warm tones, add height with climbing plants like trumpet vine, and bushes: we particularly recommend Lagerstroemia or Crape Myrtle.

Discover our advice sheet “Creating a Bohemian Garden”

Bidens ‘Campfire Funny Honey’, Helenium ‘Morheim Beauty’, Digiplexis ‘Illumination Chelsea Gold’ and Achillea ‘Terracotta’, Centranthus ruber, Phygelius ‘Jodie Southon’ (photo peganum), Achillea millefolium ‘Feuerland’ and Stipa tenuifolia (photo Leonora Enking)

Native to South Africa, Phygelius will easily find its place in an exotic-style garden. You can plant it alongside other South African plants. Consider, for example, Berkheya purpurea, an unusual perennial resembling a thistle, bearing beautiful white flowers with a dark purple-black centre. But the queen of this Southern Hemisphere planting will undoubtedly be Protea cynaroides, the emblem of South Africa, which boasts impressive flowers crowned with large, radiant pink, red, or orange bracts. Also discover Dierama, a stunning South African perennial with the poetic nickname Angel’s Fishing Rod, bearing beautiful bell-shaped pink, orange, or white flowers at the ends of its long trailing stems. You can pair it with crocosmias, red hot pokers, eucomis, and agapanthus. For ground cover, consider Delosperma ‘Wheels of Wonder Fire’, a low-growing perennial that produces striking bright orange flower heads, which stand out beautifully against its succulent foliage.

For more pairing ideas, feel free to explore our inspiration page “Southern Exoticism”

Protea ‘Pink Crown’ (photo V. Manso), Phygelius capensis, Berkheya purpurea, Eucomis ‘Sparkling Rosy’, Delosperma ‘Wheels of Wonder Fire’ and Dierama igneum (photo peganum)