A clump-forming, evergreen perennial growing to a height of 1.5-1.8m. Grey-green, strap-shaped basal leaves are edged with a few spines. Cone shaped, deep-red flowerheads, mostly without bracts, are held on wiry branching stems, mid to late summer
1.5-2.5 metres
0.1-0.5 metres
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow in dry, well-drained poor to moderately fertile soil in full sun, with protection from winter wet
Propagate by seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as ripe; insert root cuttings in late winter; propagate by division during spring, although they may be slow to re-establish
Tidy plants after flowering; ideal for flower arranging - cut the stems before the flowers are fully open
May be susceptible to leaf and bud eelworms, and slugs and snails
May be susceptible to root rot and powdery mildews