Phygelius aequalis Yellow Trumpet - Cape Fuchsia

The Phygelius aequalis 'Yellow Trumpet' (also known as 'Cream Trumpet') is a vigorous and highly floriferous variety of Cape Fuchsia, recognizable by its abundant clusters of long tubular flowers in a pale yellow color arranged on the same side of the stem. Similar to the Fuchsia magellanica, it is a shrubby perennial plant if the winter is mild, but should be pruned back every year at the end of winter if its branches have been damaged by frost. Capable of withstanding winter if its root system is protected from moisture and severe frosts, this beautiful exotic plant is easily grown in a large pot for overwintering.

Called the Yellow Trumpet Cape Fuchsia, perhaps due to the shape of its flowers and foliage, this Phygelius aequalis is a herbaceous subshrub with woody base, evergreen in its native climate, and considered a bushy perennial in cold climates. It belongs to the family of Scrophulariaceae. The type species, called Phygelius aequalis, is native to South Africa, specifically the Northern Province (in Mpumalanga, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, and Swaziland). It is a region where summers are rainy and winters are quite dry. It often grows at altitudes above 2000 meters (6500 feet), on humid slopes and near streams, as well as in open forests. Its hardiness is roughly equivalent to that of the Fuchsia magellanica (-10/-12°C (14/10.4 °F)). The plant develops underground stolons that allow it to spread without becoming invasive.

The Phygelius aequalis Yellow Trumpet grows quickly, reaching a height of between 1.20 m (4 ft) and 1.70 m (6 ft) with a spread of 70 cm (27 in) to 1 m (3 ft). It has a bushy and spreading habit supported by branched stems. It blooms continuously from July to September. Long tubular flowers are borne on the tips of the stems in unilateral spikes. This nectar-rich flowering appears above dark green foliage. Each flower, in the form of a trailing trumpet, is carried on a curved stem. The corolla forms a very elongated tube (sometimes reaching 7 cm (2.8 in) in length) open on 5 lobes of a brighter color than the tube, from which the stamens and pistil emerge. The foliage consists of simple, ovate leaves with toothed margins, and their color is a slightly glossy dark green. They persist through winter if there is no frost. Leafy stems are killed by frost at around -5°C (23 °F).

The Phygelius Yellow Trumpet, with its soft chartreuse yellow flowers, is a very interesting variety for creating unique combinations in the garden, as well as in pots, alongside Helichrysum petiolare 'Silver' and Scaevola or Anagallis monellii, for example. It will find its place in sunny or semi-shaded flower beds, for instance, alongside Fuchsia magellanica Versicolor and asters that will take over after its flowering. Consider placing it at a higher level, above a low wall, in a damp rockery or a raised bed, or even in a hanging basket, in order to observe the flower from below. Phygelius are perennials that bring an exotic touch to wild-looking flower beds, as their flowers, smaller than those of penstemons, and their subtler shades attract numerous pollinating insects.