Cape Fuchsia Phygelius capensis
ABOUT
The Cape Fuchsia is a striking plant characterized by its tubular flowers, which come in a vibrant range of colors such as red, pink, orange, and yellow. These flowers are distinctive with their long, narrow tubes and flared opening, closely resembling the shape of a fuchsia, hence the common name. The blooms are arranged in clusters that gracefully drape off the stems, providing a splash of color that is very attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators. The foliage of Cape Fuchsia is also notable, consisting of glossy, dark green leaves that have a slightly serrated edge. These leaves are broad and ovate, creating a lush, dense backdrop for the vivid flowers. This plant tends to have an upright habit with stems that can be somewhat woody at the base, while the upper part of the stem is softer and more herbaceous. The overall impression of Cape Fuchsia is of a plant with a vibrant, somewhat wild appearance, due to both its bright, showy flowers and its lush foliage. It's a popular choice for gardeners looking to add a splash of color to their landscape and is particularly favored in beds, borders, and cottage gardens.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Scrophulariaceae
Synonyms
Cape Fuchsia, Cape Figwort
Common names
Phygelius capensis var. minor, Phygelius minor, Phygelius salviifolius, Elizaberthia capensis.
ToxicityTo humans
The common name for Phygelius capensis is Cape Fuchsia. Cape Fuchsia is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it may cause irritation or allergic reactions in some individuals. Ingesting parts of the plant, especially in significant quantities, could potentially lead to stomach upset or gastrointestinal discomfort. It is always advisable to exercise caution and avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants due to potential unknown toxicities.
To pets
Cape Fuchsia is the common name for Phygelius capensis. There is no widespread evidence of significant toxicity of Cape Fuchsia to pets such as cats and dogs. Nonetheless, ingestion of plant material can sometimes result in mild gastrointestinal upset for pets, presenting as vomiting or diarrhea. If you suspect your pet has ingested a large amount of the plant and is showing symptoms of distress, it is important to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Red
Height
3-4 feet [0.9-1.2 meters]
Spread
2-3 feet [0.6-0.9 meters]
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Phygelius capensis, commonly known as Cape fuchsia, features tubular flowers that add aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright flowers of Cape fuchsia attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Drought Tolerance: Cape fuchsia is relatively drought-resistant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and low-water gardens.
- Long Blooming Period: With a long flowering season spanning from early summer to autumn, it provides sustained color in the garden.
- Easy Propagation: The plant can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to create more plants without additional costs.
- Deer Resistance: Cape fuchsia is known to be resistant to deer, which is especially beneficial in areas where deer predation is a problem for gardeners.
- Versatile Landscaping: It can be used in a variety of landscape designs, including borders, containers, and slopes for erosion control.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Phygelius capensis, commonly known as Cape fuchsia, can be used as a dye plant due to the presence of pigments in its leaves and stems.
- The nectar-rich flowers of Cape fuchsia make it an attractive plant for butterfly and hummingbird gardens, providing a food source for these pollinators.
- Cape fuchsia can be planted as ground cover in landscaping, where it can help to control erosion on slopes due to its spreading habit.
- The plant's dense growth can offer a natural shelter for small wildlife, creating a microhabitat within gardens.
- Cape fuchsia can be used in cut flower arrangements, where its vibrant flowers add a splash of color and have a relatively long vase life.
- Used in sensory gardens, Cape fuchsia's bright flowers and soft foliage can contribute to a visually stimulating environment.
- When planted near vegetable gardens, Cape fuchsia can help to draw beneficial insects, which aid in the pollination of crops.
- The long stems and upright growth habit of Cape fuchsia can be used as informal, naturalistic stakes for supporting other, more floppy garden plants.
- Cape fuchsia's tall, shrubby form can be used to create a living garden screen or privacy hedge between properties.
- Gardeners can use the robust nature of Cape fuchsia to outcompete and suppress the growth of invasive weeds in garden beds.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Cape Fuchsia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Cape Fuchsia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Attraction: The vivid colors of the Cape Fuchsia's flowers make it a symbol for attraction, calling to mind how its bright hues attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.
- Survival: Cape Fuchsia's ability to thrive in challenging environments symbolizes resilience and the power of overcoming adversity.
- Elegance: With its graceful drooping flowers, Cape Fuchsia can represent elegance and natural beauty.
- Adaptability: Given its versatility and how well it does in a variety of climates, Cape Fuchsia can symbolize adaptability and flexibility.
WaterThe Cape Fuchsia prefers to be kept consistently moist without being waterlogged. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing about 1 gallon of water for each plant to ensure moisture penetrates the root zone. During hot or windy weather, watering frequency may need to increase to twice a week. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is not actively growing, but do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Ensure that the plant has well-drained soil to prevent root rot.
LightCape Fuchsia thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. It's best to position the plant in a spot where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. If you are planting indoors, place it near a south-facing window to ensure it gets ample light, but be cautious of too much direct, hot sunlight which can scorch the leaves.
TemperatureCape Fuchsia does well in a range of temperature conditions and can tolerate temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit but prefers a range between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It is not frost-tolerant, so in colder regions, it should be brought indoors or provided with protection when temperatures are expected to drop below freezing.
PruningPrune Cape Fuchsia in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. This promotes bushier growth and more flowers. Remove any dead or damaged stems, and cut back the plant by about a third of its size to maintain shape. Prune after flowering to encourage a second bloom.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCape Fuchsia thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. A blend of two parts peat or coir, one part perlite or sand, and one part compost or aged manure creates an ideal environment. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around 6 to 7.
RepottingCape Fuchsia doesn't require frequent repotting; once every 2-3 years is sufficient. Ensure that repotting is done in spring or early summer when the plant shows signs of becoming root-bound or the soil appears depleted.
Humidity & MistingCape Fuchsia prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. Indoor humidity should be kept around 40-50% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Cape Fuchsia in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Cape Fuchsia in a sheltered spot with partial sun.
Hardiness zone
8-10 USDA
Life cycleCape Fuchsia (Phygelius capensis) typically starts as a seed, which when sown, will germinate under the right conditions of warmth and moisture. The seedling emerges and begins to grow into a young plant, developing a basic root system and foliage. As it matures, the root system becomes more established, and the plant starts to produce distinctive lance-shaped leaves and woody stems. Upon reaching maturity, Cape Fuchsia produces tubular flowers, usually in shades of red, orange, or yellow, which are pollinated by birds and insects, leading to the development of small capsule-like fruits containing seeds. After pollination and through the growing season, the plant will continue to flower and set seeds, ensuring the continuation of its life cycle. In many climates, Cape Fuchsia is a perennial, meaning it can live for several years, going dormant in the winter and resuming growth in the spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Propogation: The Cape Fuchsia, known scientifically as Phygelius capensis, is a popular garden plant due to its striking tubular flowers. The most popular method for propagating Cape Fuchsia is through semi-ripe stem cuttings, which are best taken in late summer. To propagate, a gardener should select a healthy-looking stem and cut a 4 to 6 inch (approximately 10 to 15 cm) length just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end may be dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root growth. The cutting is then planted in a pot filled with a mixture of peat and perlite or a well-draining potting mix, and kept in a warm, humid environment, but out of direct sunlight. A plastic bag can be placed over the pot to maintain humidity. Roots typically form within a few weeks, after which the new plant can be gradually acclimatized to less humid conditions and eventually planted outdoors.
