Phygelius 'Red Emperor'

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Cape leadwortShrub, Semi-EvergreenFamily: Scrophulariaceae

Height: 50cmSpread: 50cm
Frost hardy

Flower colour:

Pink

Red

Foliage colour:

Green

Position

Sun Exposure:

Full sun, partial shade

Aspect:

South facing, west facing

Position in Border:

Front, middle

Soil

Prefers rich soil

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.

Plant calendar

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecPlantyes**yesFlowersyesyesyesyesyesCut Backyesyesyes**yes

Phygelius ‘Red Emperor’ and wildlife

Phygelius ‘Red Emperor’ has no particular known value to wildlife in the UK.

Is Phygelius ‘Red Emperor’ poisonous?

Phygelius ‘Red Emperor’ has no toxic effects reported.

No reported toxicity to:

Is not known to attract Birds

Birds

Is not known to attract Cats

Cats

Is not known to attract Dogs

Dogs

Is not known to attract Horses

Horses

Is not known to attract Livestock

Livestock

Is not known to attract People

People