Flower Properties

Property	Value
English Name	Cape Fuchsia
MainColor	Red
PlantType	Herb
Growth Type	Cultivated
Season	July
ImageUrl	Phygelius-001
Photographer	DP
Location	St Albans
Human Toxicity	Mildly_Toxic

Flower Details

Description

A semi-evergreen shrub producing clusters of tubular, pendulous flowers in shades of red, pink, or orange. Though commonly called “fuchsia,” it is unrelated to true fuchsias.

Distribution

Native to South Africa, widely cultivated in UK gardens for its long summer flowering and attraction to pollinators.

Medicinal/Other Uses

Limited documented use; some related species in the figwort family have traditional applications for skin conditions and inflammation.

Edibility

Not edible; grown solely as an ornamental plant.

Human Toxicity

Contains saponins typical of the figwort family — mildly irritant if ingested in large amounts. Sap may cause slight skin irritation in sensitive individuals.

Pet Toxicity

Mildly toxic if eaten — may cause stomach upset in cats and dogs

Active Compounds

Saponins, phenolic compounds.