Phygelius plant issues

Question: This plant has been healthy for years, in a good location. Last year it started to look similar to this photo. I’m not sure if there is something I can treat it with or dig out and start over.
Thanks for the help!
Sue

responder: Kevin K.  Replied April 27, 2023, 8:45 PM EDT
response: Sue, thank you for your question to "Ask Extension".  In order to help with the further diagnosis of your plant problems I will need some additional general information.  Could you please answer the following questions:Do you know what species this plant isHow long has it been in this locationHow much daily sun does this location getI there supplemental water and if so how often and how muchDo you fertilize and how often and how muchWhat type of soil is it planted in (ie. well drained or clay) Any other detailed information that you can think of      I am looking forward to your response.  And as always Happy Gardening.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 28, 2023, 12:27 PM EDT
response: KevinThis is a Cape Fuchsia PhygeliusPlanted from one start, 15+ years ago. It has morning shade then full afternoon sun. The soil is clay and is in a site that keeps it somewhat contained as it spreads easily. I’ve pulled many starts, and given cuttings to friends.  It has been a perfect location for this plant, next to the water source.I’ve never fertilized it.  It has been cut back  many times when it starts to overtake the sidewalk, or when the blooms are finished. That has never seemed to affect it.The spots on leaves started here and there late last summer, despite being watered. It stays mostly green during the winter and as you know, a good attraction to hummingbirds. Thanks for your assistance.SueOn Thursday, April 27, 2023, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Dear kitztang, here's the response to your question:      Sue, thank you for your question to "Ask Extension".  In order to help with the further diagnosis of your plant problems I will need some additional general information.  Could you please answer the following questions:Do you know what species this plant isHow long has it been in this locationHow much daily sun does this location getI there supplemental water and if so how often and how muchDo you fertilize and how often and how muchWhat type of soil is it planted in (ie. well drained or clay) Any other detailed information that you can think of      I am looking forward to your response.  And as always Happy Gardening.  Need to reply to the expert? Click the link below, or simply reply to this email. Click here to view #0097234 Kevin K. Benton County Master Gardener We hope this response has sufficiently answered your questions. If not, please do not send another email. Instead, reply to this email or login to your account for a complete archive of all your support requests and responses.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 28, 2023, 12:33 PM EDT
response: On Thursday, April 27, 2023, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Dear kitztang, here's the response to your question:      Sue, thank you for your question to "Ask Extension".  In order to help with the further diagnosis of your plant problems I will need some additional general information.  Could you please answer the following questions:Do you know what species this plant isHow long has it been in this locationHow much daily sun does this location getI there supplemental water and if so how often and how muchDo you fertilize and how often and how muchWhat type of soil is it planted in (ie. well drained or clay) Any other detailed information that you can think of      I am looking forward to your response.  And as always Happy Gardening.  Need to reply to the expert? Click the link below, or simply reply to this email. Click here to view #0097234 Kevin K. Benton County Master Gardener We hope this response has sufficiently answered your questions. If not, please do not send another email. Instead, reply to this email or login to your account for a complete archive of all your support requests and responses.

responder: The Question Asker Replied April 28, 2023, 12:33 PM EDT
response: On Thursday, April 27, 2023, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Dear kitztang, here's the response to your question:      Sue, thank you for your question to "Ask Extension".  In order to help with the further diagnosis of your plant problems I will need some additional general information.  Could you please answer the following questions:Do you know what species this plant isHow long has it been in this locationHow much daily sun does this location getI there supplemental water and if so how often and how muchDo you fertilize and how often and how muchWhat type of soil is it planted in (ie. well drained or clay) Any other detailed information that you can think of      I am looking forward to your response.  And as always Happy Gardening.  Need to reply to the expert? Click the link below, or simply reply to this email. Click here to view #0097234 Kevin K. Benton County Master Gardener We hope this response has sufficiently answered your questions. If not, please do not send another email. Instead, reply to this email or login to your account for a complete archive of all your support requests and responses.

responder: Kevin K.  Replied April 30, 2023, 1:14 PM EDT
response: Sue, thanks for the quick response to my questions.  This has been an interesting and challenging research.  I have reviewed the daily low temperatures from 01OCT22 through 01APR23 and don't think that the plant suffered from cold/frost damage.  The spots on the leaves that you mentioned and that I noticed are most likely fungal and rarely bacterial in nature.  This is caused by high moisture (like the daily rains we have been having) and low air circulation.  I recommend that you prune it back to the ground now and it will quickly regrow from the roots.  Do not compost the clippings and put them in yard waste.  Fertilize monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer and don't water from above during the dry summer months.  You can then treat it as a herbaceous perennial and repeat this process every Fall after the first frost.  Covering it with mulch to protect the roots. I hope that your planting returns very healthy with those wonderful flowers that attract so many humming birds.  Again, Happy Gardening.