Cape fuchsia Phygelius × rectus 'Winchester Fanfare'

☠ Toxic to humans

🐾 Toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Cape fuchsia 'Winchester Fanfare' is a captivating plant distinguished by its eye-catching tubular flowers. These blooms showcase a rich coral-pink hue, which gradiently transitions to a lighter pink or sometimes almost yellow at their flaring, open mouths. Pendulous in nature, they cluster densely along the stem, providing a graceful and generous display of color from late spring through to fall. The foliage of Cape fuchsia 'Winchester Fanfare' is equally enchanting, composed of glossy, dark green leaves that create an attractive backdrop for the vibrant flowers. Both the flowers and the leaves contribute to the plant's overall bushy and lush appearance. The foliage is oval-shaped and slightly serrated on the edges, adding a delicate roughness that contrasts with the smoothness of the flowers. The stems of Cape fuchsia 'Winchester Fanfare' are sturdy, supporting the weight of the flowers and leaves and contributing to its robust and upright stature. A profusion of flowering spikes gives this plant a lively and festive aspect, making it a charming addition to garden borders or as a specimen in plant beds. In summary, Cape fuchsia 'Winchester Fanfare' is primarily known for its remarkable two-toned flowers and deep green, shiny foliage. Its ability to bloom for an extended period and the graceful manner in which its flowers hang from the stems make it a plant that captures attention and enhances garden beauty.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Scrophulariaceae
- Synonyms
  Cape Fuchsia, Winchester Fanfare
- Common names
  Phygelius × rectus 'Winchester Fanfare'.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Cape fuchsia is not commonly known for being toxic to humans. However, as with many garden plants, it is still advisable to avoid ingesting any part of it, as the full extent of its potential toxicity might not be well documented. In general, if any plant is ingested and symptoms of poisoning appear, such as gastrointestinal distress, difficulty breathing, or an allergic reaction, one should seek medical attention promptly.
- To pets
  For pets, Cape fuchsia is also not widely recognized as a toxic plant. However, caution should be exercised because not all plants' effects on pets have been thoroughly studied. If a pet ingests part of this plant and exhibits signs of poisoning—such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or lethargy—contact a veterinarian. It is generally best to prevent pets from eating non-food plants as their ingestion can sometimes lead to unexpected and adverse health effects.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Perennials
- Foliage type
  Semi-deciduous
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  2-3 feet (60-90 cm)
- Spread
  2 feet (60 cm)
- Plant type
  Shrub
- Hardiness zones
  7
- Native area
  South Africa

Benefits

General Benefits
- Attractive Flowers: Produces tubular, vividly colored flowers that add visual interest to gardens.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers an extended blooming season, typically flowering from early summer to autumn.
- Hummingbird Magnet: The trumpet-shaped flowers are ideal for attracting hummingbirds to the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal upkeep once established, making it suitable for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of drought, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Pest Resistance: Generally resistant to pests, meaning less effort and expense in pest control.
- Deer Resistant: Rarely browsed by deer, which can protect other plants in the garden from deer damage.
- Versatile Planting: Suitable for borders, containers, and as a focal point in a garden bed.
- Fast Growing: Can fill in garden spaces relatively quickly due to its fast growth rate.
- Erosion Control: Its root system can help stabilize soil and control erosion on slopes.
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 in themed gardens to create a South African flora ambiance; its origins make it an authentic addition to such plant collections.
- Cape Fuchsia's tubular flowers could serve as inspiration for artists and designers, particularly when creating nature-inspired patterns or motifs.
- Gardeners may employ the robust growth habit of Cape Fuchsia to create natural privacy screens or informal hedges in their yard spaces.
- Its colorful blooms can be used to make a natural dye for fabrics or crafts, though this use is more experimental and less commonly practiced.
- Cape Fuchsia can be used in educational settings, like schools or botanical gardens, as a demonstration plant for pollinator-friendly gardening practices.
- Due to its distinctive flower shape, Cape Fuchsia can be included in sensory gardens to add a tactile element for visitors to explore.
- The plant can be used in floral arrangements, where its long-lasting flowers add an exotic touch to bouquets or table settings.
- Cape Fuchsia might be used in permaculture designs as part of a guild that supports beneficial insects and contributes to overall garden health.
- In colder regions, the plant can be grown in containers and brought indoors during winter months, adding a splash of color to indoor spaces.
- Given its preference for sunny locations, Cape Fuchsia can be a candidate for greening urban spaces, such as rooftop gardens or balconies.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The Cape Fuchsia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Cape Fuchsia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Persistence – Phygelius, commonly known as Cape Fuchsia, is a resilient plant that can thrive in various conditions, symbolizing one's ability to persist through challenges.
- Attraction – With its bright, tubular flowers, Cape Fuchsia may represent an alluring charm, often used to attract attention in gardens.
- Protection – The robust nature of Cape Fuchsia, able to withstand harsh conditions, can symbolize protection and the ability to provide shelter.

💧

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every 2-3 years

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Cape Fuchsia should be watered regularly, about once a week, with more frequent watering during hot, dry spells. It is important to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Around one to two gallons per week should suffice for a mature plant, depending on the climate and soil drainage. During the winter months, reduce watering as the plant requires less moisture due to cooler temperatures and reduced growth activity.
Light
Cape Fuchsia thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot would be where the plant receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day, such as in an east- or south-facing garden. While it can tolerate some shade, too little light may result in fewer flowers and a less vigorous plant.
Temperature
Cape Fuchsia prefers average to warm conditions, thriving between 50°F and 75°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to around 20°F, making it suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10. Avoid placing the plant in areas where temperatures may exceed 90°F for extended periods, as this can stress the plant.
Pruning
Prune your Cape Fuchsia in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and encourage new growth. Deadheading spent flowers will also stimulate further blooming. It is advisable to prune the plant back by about a third annually to keep it healthy and well-formed.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Cape Fuchsia requires well-draining soil with a pH of 5.6 to 7.5. A mixture of loam, peat, and sharp sand in equal parts creates an ideal growing medium for this plant, which ensures adequate drainage and fertility.
Repotting
Cape Fuchsia does not commonly require frequent repotting. It should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when it has outgrown its current container and the root system needs more space to expand.
Humidity & Misting
Cape Fuchsia thrives in average to high humidity conditions. It prefers a humidity level around 40-50%, but it is quite adaptable and can tolerate different humidity levels as long as the soil moisture is well-regulated.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
- Outdoor
  Plant in well-draining soil; full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness zone
  7-10 USDA.
Life cycle
The life cycle of the Cape Fuchsia 'Winchester Fanfare' begins with seed germination, where ideal conditions of warmth and moisture prompt the seeds to sprout. The seedlings grow into young plants with proper care, gaining strength and foliage. As the plants enter maturity, they develop sturdy stems and bushy growth, accompanied by the distinctive tubular flowers this cultivar is known for, usually starting in early summer. The blooming phase can last into fall, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators. In preparation for winter, Cape Fuchsia 'Winchester Fanfare' may die back, especially in colder climates, retreating to its roots, which can survive to regenerate the plant come spring. In warmer climates where it is perennial, it may maintain its foliage year-round, although some pruning might be necessary to encourage vigor for the following season's growth.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The most popular method of propagation for Cape Fuchsia 'Winchester Fanfare' is through softwood cuttings. This typically takes place in late spring to early summer when the plant's new growth is just maturing and still quite flexible. To propagate, you would cut a piece of the stem about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 cm) long with several leaves, making the cut just below a node. The lower leaves are removed, and the cut end is often dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining soil mixture, and kept moist and warm until it roots, which can take a few weeks. Providing a humid environment by covering the cuttings with a plastic bag or placing them in a propagator can improve success rates. Once the cuttings have established a strong root system, they can be transplanted into individual pots or outdoor locations.