Moonraker Cape Fuchsia

Moonraker Cape Fuchsia (Phygelius x rectus 'Moonraker') is an evergreen South African perennial that forms a clump 1 to 1.5m tall and wide. In summer it carries tall stems of creamy yellow tubular flowers, a little like a foxglove, above aromatic leaves. Pollinators love it, and it suits cottage borders, wildlife gardens and big pots.

Why you'll love it

• Tall, creamy flower stems. Tubular flowers in soft yellow open in summer on upright stems that add height to a mixed bed.
• Loved by pollinators. The tubular flowers are a magnet for bees and other pollinators.
• Frost hardy. It copes with cold and returns each spring, as long as it has some winter protection in the coldest gardens.
• Aromatic foliage. The leaves have a scent when brushed, and they stay on the plant in mild climates.
• Good in big pots. A large container of good potting mix gives it a home on a patio or sunny terrace.

Where it works best

Mixed borders. Plant 1m apart in a sunny bed, behind lower perennials, so the tall stems of cream flowers rise above them.

Cottage and wildlife gardens. Pair it with grasses and daisies to feed pollinators from midsummer, and enjoy the foxglove-like spires.

Large pots. A single plant in a large pot gives a movable display of colour. Give it regular water through summer.

Growing Moonraker Cape Fuchsia in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun. It is frost hardy and thrives in a mild coastal climate year round. In colder gardens, pile a thick mulch blanket over the base for winter and it will reshoot in spring.

Soil. Well drained soil enriched with compost, topped with mulch. In pots, use a good quality potting mix.

Water and feed. Mulch and water regularly until established, usually around 12 weeks. Fertilise in spring with a slow release fertiliser, and give an extra boost in summer heat with seaweed solution and regular watering.

Pruning. Prune hard after flowering in frost free areas, or in spring when growth begins in cold ones. This encourages fresh growth and heavier flowering the following summer.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Moonraker Cape Fuchsia as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly. The tube is a small starter that builds a clump over its first season. Plant it into a sunny, mulched spot soon after it arrives and keep it watered regularly while it establishes.

Our grower supplies the tubes, and supply comes and goes. If the tube shows as sold out, the grower has none at the moment, and the notify button on this page will email you the day it is back.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Perennial plants for a cottage garden
• More bee and butterfly friendly plants
• Browse frost hardy plants
• Pruning for beginners

Common questions

How do you pronounce Phygelius?

Most people say fi-JEELY-us, and fi-JELLY-us is also common. Either way, most gardeners simply call it Cape fuchsia.

When should I prune it?

Prune hard after flowering in frost free areas, or in spring when growth begins in cold ones. That encourages fresh growth and heavier flowering.

Will it survive a cold winter?

It is frost hardy. In colder gardens, give it a generous mulch blanket over the base for winter, and it should bounce back in spring.