Cape fuchsia (Phygelius 'Blacher' CHERRY RIPE)
Phygelius 'Blacher' CHERRY RIPE, or Cape fuchsia, offers striking cherry red tubular blooms from May to September, thriving in sunny borders requiring medium care.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
Phygelius ‘Blacher’ CHERRY RIPE, commonly known as Cape fuchsia, is a distinctive, woody-based perennial highly valued for its exceptionally long bloom period, extending from late spring well into autumn. This hybrid cultivar stands out with its upright habit, burgundy stems, and an abundance of pendant, cherry-red tubular flowers featuring a contrasting yellow throat, making it an excellent vertical accent in the garden. Native South African species form the basis of this hybrid, which generally grows to 2 to 3 feet tall and spreads moderately over time.
This versatile plant adapts its habit based on climate, behaving as an evergreen sub-shrub in mild regions (Zones 8-9) and a classic herbaceous perennial in slightly cooler areas (Zone 7). Its ability to produce continuous color across the summer months ensures consistent visual interest, especially when sited where its unique flower shape can be appreciated. Gardeners should manage its slightly suckering nature to maintain desired boundaries, especially in ideal, moist, organically rich soils.
Cape fuchsia, particularly the Phygelius ‘Blacher’ CHERRY RIPE variety, thrives where it receives adequate moisture without becoming waterlogged. While adaptable to full sun, it appreciates afternoon shade in the hottest climates to prevent stress during intense summer heat. Its architectural form and dazzling blossoms attract attention, offering a refined, yet exotic, touch to mixed borders and large containers.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Scrophulariaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 7-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 2-3 ft
- Spread: 2-3 ft
- Bloom Time: May to September
- Bloom Description: Cherry red with yellow throat
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
For the best performance, plant Phygelius ‘Blacher’ CHERRY RIPE where it will receive full sun, or partial shade in very hot locations. Ensure the planting site provides moist, organically rich, and consistently well-drained soil. While it favors Mediterranean-like climates, particularly on the West Coast, gardeners further north (Zone 7) should treat it as a reliable herbaceous perennial and ensure protection from the harshest winter extremes.
Watering should be consistent; maintain medium moisture levels, especially during its peak summer blooming season. Deadheading spent flowers is crucial for prolonging the prolific floral display that Phygelius ‘Blacher’ CHERRY RIPE is known for. This variety is a suckering sub-shrub and can spread if left unchecked in optimum soil conditions; consider planting it where some spreading is permissible or use barriers to maintain neat borders.
In colder zones (Zone 6 and lower), treat this plant as an annual or provide significant winter protection, such as heavy mulching and siting it near a sheltered wall. Note that Cape fuchsia typically struggles in the hot and humid conditions common in the deep South, often performing poorly compared to its success in drier, milder climates. Low-hanging branches that touch moist soil may occasionally root, offering a method for natural propagation.
Landscape Uses
The brilliant color display of Phygelius ‘Blacher’ CHERRY RIPE makes it an exceptional choice for sunny borders where it can provide mid-height structure and continuous color from spring through fall. Its upright, somewhat rigid habit contrasts nicely with softer, mounding perennials, drawing the eye toward pathways or focal points in the garden design.
Beyond borders, this Cape fuchsia excels in large containers. Grouping it with trailing annuals or contrasting foliage plants allows gardeners in areas outside Zones 7-10 to enjoy its beauty as a seasonal feature, moving containers to protected areas if mild winter survival is attempted. Ensure containers are large enough to accommodate its steady, albeit moderate, spread.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Phygelius is a genus originating from South Africa, traditionally consisting of two species, P. Aequalis and P. Capensis, which combine to create unique hybrids like ‘Blacher’. This cultivar, often sold as CHERRY RIPE, is a shrubby, woody-based perennial reaching 2-3 feet tall and is specifically noted for its upright structure and bright cherry-red, pendant flowers clustered in terminal spikes along one side of the stem. The foliage consists of soft green, ovate leaves with serrated margins, providing an attractive backdrop for the profuse tubular blooms that last from late spring until September.
Tolerances
- Tolerates sporadic dryness once established, but prefers consistent moisture.
Potential Problems
Phygelius ‘Blacher’ CHERRY RIPE generally boasts an excellent disease and pest resistance profile, with no known serious insect or disease problems commonly reported by growers. This low-fuss reputation adds significantly to its appeal for gardeners seeking vibrant color without intensive chemical treatment or constant vigilance. Regular pruning, primarily deadheading spent flowers, is usually the extent of management required during the growing season for this robust Cape fuchsia hybrid.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Cape fuchsia suitable for?
This versatile plant is hardy in USDA Zones 7 through 10, behaving as an herbaceous perennial in Zone 7 and often as a semi-evergreen sub-shrub in Zones 8 and 9.
How large does Phygelius ‘Blacher’ CHERRY RIPE grow?
This cultivar typically reaches a mature height between 2 and 3 feet tall, with a similar spread, creating a compact to moderate presence in the landscape.
What sun exposure does Cape fuchsia need?
Phygelius ‘Blacher’ CHERRY RIPE performs best in full sun but appreciates partial shade, especially during the intense heat of the afternoon, to maintain prime floral production.
When does Phygelius ‘Blacher’ CHERRY RIPE bloom?
Expect continuous, rewarding blooms from May all the way through September, showcasing its signature cherry red flowers with yellow throats.
Conclusion
The Phygelius ‘Blacher’ CHERRY RIPE offers gardeners reliable, long-lasting color and an exotic architectural presence, making it an invaluable addition to summer bedding schemes and mixed borders. Enjoy the season-long performance of this Cape fuchsia by ensuring it receives adequate drainage and consistent moisture. Before planting, confirm that your local conditions align with USDA Zones 7-10 to maximize its perennial potential.
Companion Planting
When integrating Phygelius ‘Blacher’ CHERRY RIPE into your garden design, select companions that tolerate similar growing conditions—moist, well-drained soil and full to part sun. Good pairings include plants that offer contrasting textures or foliage colors to highlight the deep red flowers. Consider integrating silvery-leaved plants like Artemisia or structural grasses which offer movement and break up the density of the Cape fuchsia foliage.
For long-season color partnerships, combine this plant with later-blooming perennials such as salvias or Russian Sage (Perovskia atriplicifolia), which share its preference for sun and rich soil. In container arrangements, utilize its upright habit by planting lower-growing, trailing flowers like Verbena or trailing petunias around the base to cascade over the edge, enhancing the overall display established by the Phygelius.
Seasonal Care Calendar
Spring preparation for Phygelius ‘Blacher’ CHERRY RIPE centers around cutting back woody stems to just a few inches above the soil line if winter dieback occurred, particularly in Zone 7. Incorporate a layer of organic compost around the base to revitalize the soil structure and feed its need for rich media. Begin regular medium watering as new growth emerges vigorously.
Throughout the summer, the most critical maintenance task is consistent deadheading, which encourages the plant to put energy into new flowers rather than setting seed. Monitor moisture levels diligently through the hottest months; while established plants handle some drying, consistent moisture maximizes bloom quantity for this Cape fuchsia hybrid. Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nitrogen can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flowers.
In autumn, especially in borderline Zone 7 areas, apply a thick layer of mulch after the first hard frost to insulate the root crown. If grown as an annual in colder climates, simply remove the entire plant structure after the first severe freeze, preparing the area for next year’s planting schedule.
