Cape figwort 'African Queen' Phygelius × rectus 'African Queen'

Water

Cape Fuchsia should be watered deeply once a week, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering sessions. During hot or dry weather, increase watering to twice a week. Each watering session should provide about one inch of water or approximately half a gallon for outdoor plants, ensuring even moisture reaches the roots. For potted Cape Fuchsias, adjust the amount of water to the size of the pot, generally a few ounces to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Light

Cape Fuchsia thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant would be an area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, although it can tolerate some afternoon shade in hotter climates. Avoid deep shade as it will result in fewer blooms and a leggy growth habit.

Temperature

Cape Fuchsia prefers temperatures between 50°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to 20°F, but frost can damage the plant. The ideal range allows the plant to flourish and produce its characteristic tubular flowers. Extreme heat above 90°F may stress the plant and require additional care.

Pruning

Prune Cape Fuchsia in early spring to remove dead or damaged stems and to shape the plant. Cut back about one-third of the growth to encourage bushiness and more flowers. Pruning can be done again after the first flush of flowers to encourage a second bloom period. The best time for heavy pruning is after the last frost when new growth begins.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Cape fuchsia 'African Queen' thrives in well-drained loamy soil enriched with organic matter. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. For best results, use a mix containing peat, compost, and perlite or vermiculite to ensure good drainage and aeration. Regularly adding compost will maintain soil fertility and structure.

Repotting

Cape fuchsias, including the 'African Queen' variety, should generally be repotted every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current container. Refreshing the potting mix and pruning the roots lightly during repotting will encourage healthier growth.

Humidity & Misting

Cape fuchsia 'African Queen' prefers moderate humidity levels in its environment. Aim for a humidity level around 40-50%, which is typically satisfactory for this plant when grown indoors. Avoid placing it in excessively dry conditions, which could hinder its growth.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Give Cape fuchsia bright, indirect light, avoid dry air and keep the soil moist.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial sun, shelter from wind, ensure soil has good drainage.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

The Cape Figwort 'African Queen' begins its life cycle as a seed, which when provided with proper conditions of warmth and moisture, germinates to give rise to a seedling. As the seedling grows and establishes a root system, it enters the vegetative stage where it develops foliage and stems vigorously throughout the growing season. In maturity, during late spring to summer, the Cape Figwort 'African Queen' produces tubular flowers with an orange to coral-red hue, attracting pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the flowers develop into capsules containing seeds, which marks the plant's reproductive phase and ensures the continuation of the species. As a perennial, once the flowering season is over, the Cape Figwort 'African Queen' may enter a period of dormancy during colder months, especially if grown in cooler climates, only to re-emerge the following spring. Throughout its life, the plant will continue this cycle, balancing periods of growth, reproduction, and dormancy annually.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Summer

• The Cape Fuchsia 'African Queen' is commonly propagated by softwood cuttings. This is generally done in late spring or early summer when new growth is green and flexible. A gardener should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut it to a length of about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm). The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in a rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage root development. This cutting is then placed in a pot filled with a mix of peat and perlite or a similar well-draining propagation medium. The environment should maintain high humidity and consistent warmth, but not direct sunlight. Cuttings typically root within a few weeks, after which they can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions and eventually transplanted outdoors.