Phygelius Rectus African Queen, commonly known as the Cape Fuchsia or the African Queen, is a perennial shrub that belongs to the family of Scrophulariaceae. It is native to South Africa and is a popular garden plant due to its attractive flowers and ease of cultivation. The plant has a long flowering season, which begins in late spring and continues until the first frost of autumn.
Contents
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
| Genus | Phygelius |
Appearance
The Phygelius Rectus African Queen grows up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide. It has lance-shaped, dark green leaves that are 2-4 inches long. The plant produces tubular, bell-shaped flowers that are about 1 inch long and come in shades of pink, red, and orange. The flowers are borne in clusters at the end of the stems and attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Care Guide
The Phygelius Rectus African Queen is an easy-to-grow plant that requires minimal care. Here are some tips for taking care of this plant:
- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering in the winter months.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.
- Sunlight: The Phygelius Rectus African Queen prefers full sun to partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Phygelius Rectus African Queen is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it may be susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot if the plant is grown in poorly-draining soil.
Habitat
The Phygelius Rectus African Queen is native to South Africa and grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, savannas, and rocky slopes. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Phygelius Rectus African Queen a good plant for attracting pollinators?
A: Yes, the plant produces flowers that attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
Q: Can the Phygelius Rectus African Queen be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.
Q: Does the Phygelius Rectus African Queen require pruning?
A: The plant does not require pruning, but it can be pruned after flowering to maintain its shape.
Q: Is the Phygelius Rectus African Queen toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence to suggest that the plant is toxic to pets. However, it is always a good idea to keep pets away from plants to avoid accidental ingestion.
Related Plants
- Phygelius Aequalis
- Phygelius Capensis
- Phygelius Funfare
- Phygelius Snow White
References
- “Phygelius Rectus ‘African Queen’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed June 28, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=245645&isprofile=0&basic=phygelius.
- “Phygelius Rectus African Queen.” Gardening Know How. Accessed June 28, 2021. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/cape-fuchsia/cape-fuchsia-phygelius.htm.
- “Phygelius Rectus ‘African Queen’.” Plant Finder. Accessed June 28, 2021. https://www.plantdelights.com/products/phygelius-rectus-african-queen.
