Rhizomatous, upright perennial about 2m tall, with large, dark green leaves, arranged in a spiral form, and tubular red to orange-red flowers with basal bracts, produced in dense terminal heads at any time of year
1.5-2.5 metres
0.5-1 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow in a warm greenhouse or conservatory in a container or raised bed, using ericaceous potting compost, in bright indirect light, with high humidity. Water freely from spring to summer and use a general fertiliser monthly. Reduce watering in autumn and water sparingly in winter. Pot on or replant in spring. In humid tropical climates grow in a shady border
Propagate by seed with heat, as soon as ripe, or by division in spring
No pruning required
May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite under glass
Generally disease-free