Cape fuchsia

Previously known as 'Indian Chief'. The two phygelius species are South African evergreen shrubs or subshrubs, likely to be semi-evergreen in cooler gardens where some of the top growth can die back after a hard frost. Plants revive from the base, especially if mulched, to produce bushy stems topped by one-sided sprays of curved tubular flowers, exotic and eye-catching. The popular P. aequalis has been crossed with P. capensis to produce P. x rectus hybrids, of which this is one of the most striking. It needs the shelter of a warm wall to reach full size and spread. Plants enjoy a sunny position in moist but well-drained soil. To propagate, take cuttings in late spring or remove rooted suckers in spring. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it their prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).