How to Grow Phygelius Plants

Guide to Growing Cape Fuchsia, and Cape Figwort.

Plants belonging to the hardy and half hardy Phygelius genus are able to reach from 90 cm to 1.4 m in height.

They bloom in the summer carrying beautiful drooping trumpet shaped flowers.

The petals of Phygelius may be red, yellow, white or pink.

A common name for Phygelius is Cape Fuchsia.

How to Grow Cape Fuchsia and other Phygelius

The seeds of Cape Fuchsia can be sown outdoors in spring or summer; once sown lightly cover the seeds with topsoil. Ideally the soil that they grow in should be well drained and light. Phygelius likes to grow in sunny parts of the garden, but may require partial shade in very hot areas.

If starting off indoors then start to grow your Fuchsias about a month and half before due out (following the last frost of spring). It should take about two weeks for the seeds to germinate at 20 to 25 Centigrade. Transplant the young seedlings at about 60 to 90 cm apart.

Caring for Phygelius

It is quite easy to look after members of the Phygelius genus; they should be watered to keep the soil moist during prolonged dry spells. Once they start to get too large prune them to tidy up, and cut back to the ground every spring. If you require more plants then take cuttings in the second half of summer or divide the plants in the autumn.