User:Mcgilto1/sandbox

Phygelius capensis (Cold hardy cape fuchsia) is an ornamental plant in the Scrophulariaceae family.

Names
Phygelius capensis is most commonly known as Cape Fuchsia and Cape Figwort.

General information
Phygelius capensis is a shrub that is native to South Africa. It is a member of the snapdragon family, also known as scrophulariaceae, and is relatives of Foxgloves and Penstemons. It is known for the odd, tube shaped flowers it grows off its stem that can often grow to be pointed back at the stem of the plant. The phygelis capensis has a very long blooming season of roughly six months, from May to November. The buds of the Phygelius capensis grow all the way around the stem of the plant which is different from its relative plant the Phygelius aequalis which only grows flowers on one side of the stem.

Appearance
Phygelius capensis has large long petals on each flower. The colours are an orange-pink colour along the outline of the petals with a yellow center. There are five green leaves on every flower. Each leaf has a small point on it, which is referred to as a tooth of the leaf. Phygelius capensis grows to be roughly four feet tall by four feet wide.

Growing and Maintaining
The Phygelius capensis is a very easy plant to grow and take care of. The plant grows well in most fertile soils but may require some winter protection in colder areas. Because the plant can take care of itself, it is an easy plant for beginner gardeners to grow. The Phygelius capensis requires full sunlight and thus, is generally only an outdoor plant. The plant is extremely versatile because it can survive in almost any kind of soil; normal, sandy or clay with a pH level of neutral, alkaline, or acid, however they prefer a rich, well-draining soil with regular watering. Cape Fuchsias are easily grown from seeds collected the previous year. The plants form a woody base and should be pruned back to 6 inches or so each spring. Once established and actively growing, Cape Fuchsias should be fed monthly with a good all-purpose fertilizer. Other than this, for the most part the plant will take care of itself. In warm climates, the Phygelius capensis grows as a perennial plant, however in colder regions, they are grown as an annual.

Common Uses
Medicines made with Ledebouria cooperi and Phygelius capensis are used to inebriate boys during initiation ceremonies. Because of this, Phygelius capensis is seen to have ritual based qualities. The flower of the plant is also well known for being the favourite of the hummingbird. The shrub is common to be used in gardens to attract hummingbirds and to form boarders. The Phygelius capensis makes the ideal boarder because of its long blooming season.