About Phygelius aequalis Harv. ex Hiern
Taxonomic Classification
Phygelius aequalis Harv. ex Hiern is a species of flowering plant in the family Scrophulariaceae, native to South Africa.
Plant Size and Growth Form
It is a semi-evergreen shrub that grows 1 metre (3 feet) tall and wide.
Inflorescence Characteristics
It produces 25-centimetre (10-inch) long panicles of pink flowers that have crimson lobes and yellow throats.
Flower Morphology
The narrowly tubular flowers reach up to 6 centimetres (2 inches) in length.
Species Distinction
This species can be distinguished from the closely related Phygelius capensis by the way its flowers grow in a single plane along one side of the stem.
Common Names
The common names Cape fuchsia and Cape figwort apply to both P. aequalis and P. capensis.
Nomenclature Notes
These plants are not closely related to true fuchsias, and the name "figwort" refers to many plants besides those in the Phygelius genus.
Cultivation Value
Phygelius aequalis is valued as a garden plant for its exceptionally long summer flowering season.
Climate Adaptation
While it is a shrub, it grows as a perennial in cooler climates, and requires some winter protection.
Horticultural Awards
The cultivars 'Trewidden Pink' and 'Yellow Trumpet' have earned the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
