Family: Scrophulariaceae

These two species of evergreen shrubs from South Africa are grown for their attractive, red, summer flowers, similar to those of Penstemon (beard tongue), and dark green, oval leaves. They thrive in shade in warm regions, but prefer sun in cooler zones.

Species

P. aequalis grows to 1 m (3 ft) high, with salmon pink, tubular flowers, orange and purple inside. Cultivar 'Yellow Trumpet' has creamy yellow flowers.

P. capensis, Cape fuchsia, grows to 2 m (6 ft), with sprays of orange to dark red flowers which can reach 1 m (3 ft) long. Cultivar 'Coccineus' is a hardier, improved form with brighter, scarlet flowers. Hybrids between the two species have resulted in plants like 'Moonraker', with creamy yellow flowers, and 'African Queen', which has striking red flowers with orange-red lobes.

Cultivation

Plant in a light, moist soil enriched with organic matter, including chalky soils, in a warm, sunny, sheltered spot. If growing in cool climates, provide protection from very cold, strong wind. If damaged by frost or wind, the rootstock will probably rejuvenate in spring. Propagate from cuttings of semi-ripened shoots taken in autumn and struck in a sharp sand and peat mix of 2:1, by seed sown in early spring, or by division of the rootstock in early spring, before new growth begins.

Climate

Zone 8.