Fast-growing, sub-tropical, woody-stemmed perennial native to South America, about 2-3m tall, with deeply-lobed, intricately-cut, palmate rich green leaves and clusters of waxy red-striped, pale green bell-shaped flowers in summer. It is closely related to the edible tapioca
1.5-2.5 metres
1-1.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
In mild or frost-free counies, grow in any free-draining soil in full sun with shelter. In frost-prone areas, grow in a cool greenhouse, in a mix of peat-free potting compost and grit, in full light and with low humidity. Water moderately during the growing season, sparingly in winter
Propagate by seed or softwood cuttings (stem cuttings)
No pruning required. Cut down any dead or damaged foliage in early spring
May be susceptible to aphids, glasshouse red spider mite or glasshouse whitefly if grown under glass
Generally disease-free