Phygelius 'Red Emperor'

Phygelius, commonly known as Cape figwort or Cape fuchsia, is a small genus comprising just two species, both of which are native to South Africa. As part of the Scrophulariaceae family, they're related to verbascums, snapdragons and penstemons.

Phygelius 'Red Emperor' is part of the Croftway series, bred in the UK by Malcolm Spencer. Like the other cultivars in this series, 'Red Emperor' is free-flowering, compact and bushy in growth habit. As the name suggests, 'Red Emperor' has rich cerise-coloured flowers. It looks fantastic as part of a sunny herbaceous border or in a large container.

For best results, grow Phygelius 'Red Emperor' in full sun or partial shade in moist, fertile and well-drained soil. Cut back the flower spikes once past their best to encourage further blooms. Though it's a semi-evergreen shrub, Phygelius 'Red Emperor' can be treated as a herbaceous perennial in colder locations, with a layer of mulch over winter to protect the roots. It can then be cut back hard in spring. Otherwise, lightly prune in spring to improve plants' shape.