Phygelius x rectus ‘Pink Elf’ – These sub-shrubs from South Africa are a cross of Phygelius aequalis and Phygelius capensis. They bear showy dusty pink tubular flowers (from June to October) with contrasting yellow throats divided by a deep red rim. It has glossy mid green foliage and spreads slowly by underground stems. Grows 2′ high by 3′ wide. Hardy to zone 7.
Phygelius x rectus ‘Passionate’ – The bright orange-red tubular blooms are sharply contrasted by both the yellow throats and unusually dark blackish-green foliage. This particular cultivar is highly attractive to hummingbirds. Phygelius are members of the Figwort family and are closely related to Penstemon and Foxglove. Grows 28″ high by 24″ wide. Hardy to zone 7.
Phygelius x rectus ‘Moonraker’ – One of the easier Cape Fuchsias to grow, although it is a bit aggressive as it rapidly spreads underground. That said, the pale yellow blooms nicely compliment any flower colour and it makes a great filler perennial in the mixed border. Leave this plant intact through winter and prune out damaged shoots in spring. Grows 3-5′ high and wide. Zone 7.
Phygelius x rectus CHERRY RIPE (syn. ‘Blacher’) – This cultivar is somewhat hardier that most Cape Fuchsia and features bright cherry-red blooms from May through to September. It makes a great container specimen, but will need to be overwintered in a cool greenhouse or shed. Prefers part to full sun with well-drained, moisture retentive soil. Grows 30″ high. Zone 6.
Phygelius aequalis CROFTWAY CORAL PRINCESS (syn. ‘Crocorpri’) – This semi-evergreen sub-shrub features tubular salmon to coral blooms from May to October. The Croftway series from Sussex England features plants that are compact with a bushy growth habit, possessing stronger flower stems not prone to falling out with overhead irrigation. Grows 24-36″ high. Z7.
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