Phygelius aequalis Plant Care

Phygelius aequalis (Phygelius aequalis) belongs to the Scrophulariaceae family within the Phygelius genus. Phygelius aequalis is native to South Africa.

Phygelius aequalis displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 3 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. Phygelius aequalis produces tubular flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Phygelius aequalis every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Phygelius aequalis thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Phygelius aequalis tolerates temperatures of 50–80°F. Phygelius aequalis prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added compost or organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Phygelius aequalis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Phygelius aequalis every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining, fertile soil with added compost or organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Phygelius aequalis is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Phygelius aequalis can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Phygelius aequalis while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Phygelius aequalis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Phygelius aequalis can be propagated through softwood cuttings, division of clumps, seeds. Similar propagation techniques also apply to cape figwort plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Phygelius aequalis is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, whiteflies. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Phygelius aequalis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Phygelius aequalis is native to South Africa. In cooler regions, grow Phygelius aequalis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.