How to Grow Cape Fuchsia
Phygelius capensis
Cape Fuchsia is a half-hardy South African subshrub prized for its long summer display of pendulous tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, pink, and yellow. Plant in a sheltered, sunny spot against a south or west-facing wall. Cut back hard in spring once frosts have passed to encourage a flush of vigorous stems and a long season of flower from June to September. In cold gardens, mulch the crown in autumn to protect it over winter — it often dies back to the base but regrows reliably in spring.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring as growth begins. A liquid feed once a month during the flowering season (June–September) supports continuous blooming.
Watch For
- Aphids on new growth
- Vine weevil in containers
- Frost damage in cold winters
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun, sheltered position
Thrives in full sun with shelter from cold winds. A south or west-facing wall is ideal. In exposed positions flowering is reduced and the plant is more vulnerable to frost damage.
Watering
Moderate; water during dry spells
Water regularly during dry summers, especially in the first year after planting. Once established, Phygelius is reasonably drought tolerant. Avoid waterlogged soils in winter.
Fertilizing
Balanced spring feed; monthly liquid feed in flower
Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring. Once flowering begins, a monthly liquid feed supports the long blooming season. Avoid over-feeding with high nitrogen, which promotes leafy growth at the expense of flowers.
Pruning
Cut back hard in spring
Cut all stems back hard to near the base in spring (March–April) after the last frost. This encourages a strong flush of new growth that will flower freely from early summer through autumn. In mild gardens, only light trimming may be needed.
Spacing
100–150 cm apart
Space plants 100–150 cm apart to allow for suckering spread. Phygelius forms a wide clump over time and will need space to develop its natural arching habit.
Support
Generally self-supporting; tie in against walls
Free-standing plants are usually self-supporting. When grown against a wall, tie main stems to wires or trellis to keep the arching habit tidy and maximise shelter benefits.
