These plants are mostly familiar to PNW gardeners, although they are slowly entering the market here. I planted P. 'Purple Prince' in the Spring and have been very surprised by its drought tolerance. It didn't turn into a crispy critter like many plants do when they experience our summer heat, but its flower production did stop. It's too early for me to tell if it will return for next year. I understand that it is hardy to zone 7. I have it planted in well amended clay soil in part sun.

Is there a PNW gardening forum on GardenWeb? It would be your best bet for more info about this plant.

Thanks for your response, spazzycat, and for the helpful suggestion. That helps explain the lack of responses to my question. I see a lot of phygelius at the nurseries I frequent and also at the Oregon Garden, an area display and public garden. It had not occurred to me that some people may not have a lot of experience with it... Thanks again! I will give that forum a try.

I'm not too familiar with that exact plant but I do know that if you plant something next to etiher a large stone or a cement foundation or wall that the heat retention of the wall and stone will help keep the plant roots from freezing in the winter. Placing the plant near such an object should help keep it growing if it is in a zone away from its normal hardiness. Could placement of the plant been the difference?
Joann

I love my cape fuchsias! I have six, and what I can tell you is that:

(a) type really matters--my red ones are SO much stronger than my yellow ones.

(b) Placement really matters--the ones that receive tons of heat and sun are most happy at my house.

(c) They also need protection. My neighbors have the same type of red cape fuchsia, but theirs are on a slope, exposed to the wind and the cold, and have not done nearly as well.

(d) Finally, I bet the winter storms killed yours. All of mine were killed down to the roots; normally, they are evergreen, so this was a huge shock. I actually thought they were dead all spring; they only leafed out in May, and then were only suckering from the roots, not from the original "trunks".

So that's my two cents! Hope it helps, and don't give up!