Cape figwort 'Aylesham's Pride' Phygelius × rectus 'Aylesham's Pride'

Water

Cape Fuchsia should be watered deeply but infrequently to mimic natural rainfall patterns. Aim to water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, which may mean once a week during the active growing season, depending on your climate. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is not actively growing. When you do water, soak the soil thoroughly, using approximately 1-2 gallons of water for an established plant to ensure moisture reaches the deep roots.

Light

Cape Fuchsia thrives in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Ideally, it should receive at least six hours of sunlight daily, which promotes healthy growth and abundant flowering. A spot that is sunny in the morning but shaded during the hottest part of the afternoon is ideal to prevent stress from excessive heat.

Temperature

Cape Fuchsia prefers a temperate climate and does well in temperatures ranging from 50 to 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F but may sustain damage if exposed to colder conditions for prolonged periods. Ensure the plant is situated in a spot that avoids frost pockets to maximize its potential for healthy growth.

Pruning

Prune Cape Fuchsia in late winter or early spring to encourage bushy growth and improve airflow within the plant. Remove any dead or damaged stems, and cut back last year's growth by about a third to promote new shoots. Pruning can be done annually, and the best time is just before the new growth begins as the temperatures start to rise.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Cape Fuchsia 'Aylesham's Pride' thrives in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The best soil mix for Cape Fuchsia would be equal parts loam, peat, and sharp sand to ensure proper drainage and fertility needed for optimal growth.

Repotting

Cape Fuchsia 'Aylesham's Pride' should be repotted every two to three years or when it becomes root-bound. Spring is the ideal time for repotting to allow the plant to establish in its new pot before the growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Cape Fuchsia 'Aylesham's Pride' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to a range of conditions. It can tolerate some dry air but thrives in an environment with consistent, moderate humidity without special requirements.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist for Cape Fuchsia.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sun or part shade, protect from harsh winds for Cape Fuchsia.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Phygelius × rectus 'Moonraker', commonly known as Cape Fuchsia, begins with germination, where the plant emerges from seeds under suitable conditions of warmth and moisture. It then enters the vegetative growth phase, developing a rosette of leaves and establishing a root system. As it matures, Cape Fuchsia enters the flowering stage, producing tubular flowers that are attractive to pollinators like hummingbirds and bees. Following pollination, the plant produces small capsules containing seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. When environmental conditions are favorable, the seeds disperse, potentially giving rise to new plants. During its perennial life span, Cape Fuchsia may enter a dormancy phase during colder months and regrow from the existing root system when the weather warms.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to early summer

• The Cape fuchsia, Phygelius × rectus 'Aylesham's Pride', is commonly propagated via softwood cuttings, a method best performed in late spring or early summer. To propagate using this method, a gardener should select healthy, non-flowering shoots and cut sections about 3-5 inches (approximately 7.5-12.5 cm) long. The lower leaves of these cuttings are removed, and the base of the cutting is dipped in a rooting hormone to enhance root development. These prepared cuttings are then placed in a well-drained potting mix, ensuring that at least one node is below the soil surface where roots can develop. The pot containing cuttings should be kept in a warm, humid environment to encourage rooting, often by covering it with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator. Roots typically form within a few weeks, after which the new Cape fuchsia plants can be transferred to individual pots and eventually planted out.