Descanso GardenClub

Phygelius

Phygelius for Descanso Gardens

Cape Figwort (Phygelius) is an evergreen South African shrub growing up to five feet tall. It blooms early in the spring and sporadically late into fall. Hummingbirds are drawn to it.

TESTIMONIAL FROM CLUB MEMBER: Phygelius x rectus 'Devil's Tears' is one of the first to bloom in my garden, with blossoms that provide hummingbird nectar. It blooms heavily from late spring through the summer, as long as I keep it deadheaded. It continues to give sparse blooms until hard frost and always has hummingbirds checking for a late snack! References say it may not be hardy in our area, but I have had no problems. It is located in a raised planter bed so

CULTIVATION:

• Location: Plant in full sun
• Soil: It likes moist, well drained, fertile soil.
• Water: Water regularly to maintain bloom well into fall.
• Pruning: Deadhead regularly to prolong bloom. Cut older stems back to base after new growth begins in spring. Prune newer growth back to about a foot tall.

PROPAGATION:

• Phygelius may be started from seed in late spring.
• Plants transplant easily from homegrown or purchased four-inch or half-gallon pots.
• In good conditions, Phygelius will spread by suckers. Start softwood cuttings or remove rooted suckers in late spring.

SPECIES TO TRY:

• Phygelius aequalis has dusky pink blossoms with deep red lips and yellow throats.
• Phygelius capensis bears orange blossoms with orange-red lips and yellow throats.
• Phygelius x rectus
  • var. 'Moonraker' bears pale yellow blossoms
  • var. 'Devil's Tears' bears deep pink blossoms with crimson lips and yellow throat.

SOURCES:

• Mail order sources.

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