Cape Fuchsia Phygelius × rectus 'Devil's Tears'

Water

For a Cape Fuchsia, it's important to maintain moist soil without waterlogging the plant. In spring and summer during active growth, water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which may be about once or twice a week. The actual frequency depends on the environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity; hotter, drier conditions will necessitate more frequent watering compared to cooler, humid environments. When watering, apply water slowly and evenly until it starts to drain from the bottom of the pot, ensuring that the root zone is moistened but not saturated. During the fall and winter, reduce the watering to every other week or when the soil is dry a few inches down, as the plant's growth slows.

Light

The Cape Fuchsia thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. A spot that provides at least six hours of sunlight daily is ideal, but the plant can also tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in regions with very intense sunlight. Avoid deep shade locations, as this can lead to leggy growth and reduced flowering.

Temperature

Cape Fuchsias do best in temperatures ranging from 50 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimal temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but frost or prolonged exposure to cold will damage the foliage and stems. During the growing season, ensure that temperatures remain within the ideal range for robust growth and flowering.

Pruning

Pruning Cape Fuchsia is necessary to maintain the desired shape and promote bushier growth with more flowers. Cut back the entire plant by one-third to one-half in early spring to stimulate new growth. Deadheading spent flowers during the blooming season will encourage further blooming. After the first frost, a more substantial pruning can be done to remove any frost-damaged stems and prepare the plant for winter dormancy.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Cape Fuchsia 'Devil's Tears' thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter with a pH range of 6 to 7. A soil mixture with equal parts loam, peat, and sharp sand or perlite will provide the structure and nutrients required for optimal growth.

Repotting

Cape Fuchsia 'Devil's Tears' should be repotted every 1-2 years to ensure it has sufficient room to grow and fresh soil to support its health. It is ideal to repot in the spring before new growth begins.

Humidity & Misting

Cape Fuchsia 'Devil's Tears' does well in moderate humidity levels around 40-50%. It is not overly demanding in terms of humidity but should not be kept in overly dry environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in bright, indirect light and maintain moist soil.

• Outdoor

  Full sun to partial shade and protect from strong winds.

• Hardiness zone

  7-10 USDA

Life cycle

Phygelius × rectus 'Devil's Tears', commonly known as Cape Fuchsia 'Devil's Tears', begins its life cycle as a seed that germinates in warm, moist soil, typically in spring. As a young seedling, it focuses on developing a robust root system and foliage, with leaves emerging as it establishes itself. During the growing season, usually in late spring to summer, Cape Fuchsia 'Devil's Tears' enters a vegetative state where it continues to grow in height and spread, producing characteristic lance-shaped leaves. The next stage is flowering, generally in summer to autumn, where it produces tubular, red to orange flowers with a yellow throat, attracting pollinators like hummingbirds and bees. After pollination, it may produce small, inedible seeds that can be dispersed for propagation. In winter, or in colder climates, it may die back to the ground, entering a period of dormancy, while in milder climates it can remain evergreen, eventually restarting its cycle with the return of favorable growing conditions.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Cape Fuchsia 'Devil's Tears' can be propagated effectively from softwood cuttings taken in late spring or early summer. Choose a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a piece 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters) long just below a leaf node. Strip the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, and dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage root growth. Insert the cutting into a pot filled with a mixture of equal parts peat and perlite or a similar well-draining rooting medium, making sure that several nodes where leaves were removed are buried. The pot should be placed in a warm, bright area out of direct sunlight and kept consistently moist without being waterlogged. Covering the pot with a plastic bag or placing it in a propagator can help maintain high humidity, which is crucial for rooting success. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new Cape Fuchsia plant can be gradually acclimatized to ambient conditions and then potted up or planted out.