The botanical name of cape fuchsia
plant is Phygelius capensis. The cape fuchsia plants and the hardy fuchsia also
known as Fuchsia magellanica are completely unrelated plants. Although the two plants
have much in common, as they are spectacularly beautiful and they attract
hordes of hummingbirds, butterflies and pollinating insects to the garden. Continue
reading to learn more about growing cape fuchsia.
Cape Fuchsia Plants Info
The cape fuchsia plants also known as
cape figwort are native to South Africa. Actually, the name refers to that
country’s Cape of Good Hope Look for this bushy plant to reach mature heights
and widths of about three to five feet. The Cape fuchsia plants comes in a
range of colors, including peach, creamy yellow, soft coral, magenta, apricot,
pale red and creamy white, often with yellow centers. Look at for blooms to
appear all summer long. There is one particular thing to be aware of when
growing cape fuchsia plants. The cape fuchsia plants actually spreads by
underground stems and can be a little on the aggressive side and may overwhelm
other plants in your garden. If this is a concern you can easily grow cape
fuchsia in large pots, this will keep the plant contained.
How to Grow Cape Fuchsia
The Cape fuchsia plants are hardy to
USDA growing zone seven, although some sources say the plants may survive as
far north as zone five. If you actually live in where winters tend to be on the
chilly side, you can always grow the cape fuchsia plants as an annual. Unlike the
regular fuchsia, the cape fuchsia plants should be planted in full sunlight
because it tends to become leggy in too much shade. The one exception is in
very hot climates, where the cape fuchsia plants benefits from afternoon shade.
A well-drained soil is very necessary.
Save the Cape fuchsia seeds from a mature
plant in late summer, then plant the seeds directly in the garden the following
spring or you can start them indoors a few weeks earlier. The cape fuchsia plants
propagation can also be accomplished by division or stem cuttings, or by
digging and transplanting the suckers from mature cape fuchsia plants.
How to Care for Cape Fuchsia
Caring for the cape fuchsia plant is
easy and not too demanding. The following are some quick tips that will ensure
a healthy growing plant:
Water the cape fuchsia plant regularly,
most especially during hot, dry weather.
Feed the cape fuchsia plant monthly
using a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer.
Prune the plant as needed to keep the plant
tidy. Cut the cape fuchsia plants to the ground in late fall or early spring
(if you’re actually growing the plant as a perennial).
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