Cape figwort [Candy Drops Deep Rose] Phygelius Candy Drops Deep Rose = 'Kerphyros' (PBR) (Candy Drops Series)
ABOUT
[Candy Drops Deep Rose] is a compact, evergreen shrub to 45cm tall with dark green, ovate leaves and erect panicles of rich, rose-pink tubular flowers with white throats in summer
About this plant
- Names
Synonyms
Cape Figwort, Cape Fuchsia
Common names
Phygelius 'Kerphyros', Phygelius × rectus 'Kerphyros'
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Semi-deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Deep rose
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attractive Flowers: Produces deep rose funnel-shaped blooms that add a vibrant splash of color to the garden.
- Long Flowering Period: Offers a long bloom time from early summer through to autumn, providing extended interest.
- Wildlife Friendly: The flowers attract pollinators such as bees and hummingbirds, supporting local ecosystems.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient choice for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Versatile Use: Suitable for borders, containers, and as a bedding plant, offering flexibility in garden design.
- Hardy: Shows good resistance to frost, enabling it to thrive in a variety of climates.
- Fast Growing: Quick to establish and grow, providing rapid results in the garden.
- Deer Resistant: Less likely to be damaged by deer, which can be beneficial in areas with prevalent deer populations.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Cape Fuchsia can be used to create natural dyes for fabrics. The deep rose color of the flowers may lend itself to dyeing textiles with subtle pink hues.
- The flowers of the Cape Fuchsia can be a source of nectar for homemade syrups. Their sweet nectar can be reduced with sugar to create a floral syrup for use in desserts or cocktails.
- Use the stems of the Cape Fuchsia for crafting. Their semi-woody nature can be suitable for making small handcrafted items such as picture frames or decorative pieces.
- Cape Fuchsia can serve as a muse for artists. The vibrant color and shape of the flowers can inspire paintings, drawings, and even fashion designs.
- The Cape Fuchsia can be used in a sensory garden. Its texture and color are excellent for engaging the sense of touch and sight in an educational garden setting.
- Can be part of a natural insect-repelling garden presence. While it attracts pollinators, it can also be combined with other plants known to repel unwanted insects.
- Use dried Cape Fuchsia leaves in potpourri mixes. This can add an intriguing shape and possibly a faint scent to a natural potpourri.
- Cape Fuchsia's colorful presence can be harnessed for photographic subjects, adding depth and interest to garden photography.
- It can be used as a living gift or favor for special events. Small Cape Fuchsia plants can be potted and given to guests at weddings or parties as a lasting memory of the day.
- Arrange the Cape Fuchsia's flowers in a pressed flower art. They can be pressed and preserved in glass frames or used as embellishments for stationery.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The plant_name is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant_name is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Persistence: Phygelius, commonly known as Cape Fuchsia, is a resilient plant that thrives in various conditions, symbolizing one's ability to persevere through challenges.
- Attraction: With its bright, tubular flowers, Cape Fuchsia can symbolize attraction and magnetism, as it draws in hummingbirds and other pollinators.
- Vibrancy: The deep rose color of Phygelius Candy Drops Deep Rose conveys a sense of vibrancy and exuberance, often associated with passionate feelings and enthusiasm for life.
- Water
For the Cape Fuchsia, water the plant deeply once a week during its growing season, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the winter, reduce watering to every other week or less, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Use about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time for outdoor plants or 16 to 24 ounces for indoor containers, adjusting for climate and soil conditions.
- Light
Cape Fuchsia thrives in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for this plant would be a location where it gets at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but is also protected from the hot afternoon sun, especially in warmer climates.
- Temperature
The Cape Fuchsia prefers temperatures between 50°F and 75°F. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of 30°F. Ideal growth occurs when the temperature is maintained in the preferred range, avoiding extremes.
- Pruning
Prune Cape Fuchsia after flowering to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Generally, pruning can be done once a year, in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Deadheading spent flowers throughout the growing season will also promote continued blooming.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The Cape Fuchsia prefers well-drained soil enriched with organic matter with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A mix of loam, compost, and sand is ideal to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
- Repotting
Cape Fuchsias should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the plant outgrows its current pot, using fresh soil mix to replenish nutrients.
- Humidity & Misting
The Cape Fuchsia thrives in moderate to high humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the lower humidity found in most homes.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place Cape Fuchsia in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in sun/part shade, in rich, well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
- Life cycle
The life of Phygelius Candy Drops Deep Rose, commonly called Cape Fuchsia, begins with seed germination, where the plant emerges from tiny, dust-like seeds under appropriate warmth and moisture conditions. This is followed by the seedling stage, featuring rapid root and foliage growth. As it matures into the vegetative stage, the Cape Fuchsia develops a robust root system and lush foliage, preparing for the flowering stage. During the flowering stage, the plant produces tubular deep rose flowers that attract pollinators and may continue to bloom throughout the summer months. After pollination, the flowers give way to seed production, completing the reproductive cycle. The plant's life cycle can continue from these seeds or it may enter a period of dormancy during colder months, depending on the climate, with resumption of growth in the following spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-summer
For the Cape Fuchsia 'Kerphyros', a popular method of propagation is through softwood cuttings. This technique is best carried out in late spring or early summer. To propagate by softwood cuttings, choose a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 4 to 6-inch piece just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cutting in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least two nodes are buried where the leaves were removed. Water the cutting and cover it with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Place it in indirect light and keep the soil moist. Roots typically develop in 3 to 4 weeks, at which point the plastic can be removed, and the new plant can eventually be transplanted outdoors.