While Cape Fuchsias are wildly popular in the UK and the West Coast, most gardeners in the East haven’t given them a try. When sited in a partially shaded area that doesn’t stay extremely dry, phygelius will produce amazing results. These semi-shrubby perennials make a 3′ tall x 3′ wide clump, topped all summer with pendant clusters of honeysuckle-like flowers. P. ‘Moonraker’ is a hybrid of P. aequalis x P. capensis that produces lovely soft yellow flowers. Phygelius blend nicely with hostas and ferns to provide a light texture in the woodland garden. For us, phygelius tend to die back to the ground when winter temperature hits single digits. On the West Coast, phygelius can actually reach head high in the garden.
