A spreading, low-growing, evergreen herbaceous perennial, usually grown as an annual, with lance-shaped blue-green foliage and daisy-like brightly-coloured flowers in yellow orange and red shades, which appear from late spring to early summer, or for longer in much milder, sunnier climates. The flowers exhibit nyctinasty: they open in the sun and close when cloudy or dark
| Season | Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | ||||
| Summer | ||||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Grow in moderately fertile, very well-drained soil in full sun. Flowers close when shaded. Can survive a UK winter outdoors in very mild areas. Water in prolonged dry spells
Propagate by softwood cuttings taken from the base of shoots in late summer. Keep young plants in frost free conditions over winter
No pruning required. Deadhead regularly to encourage more flowering
Generally pest-free, but may be susceptible to aphids when overwintered under glass
Generally disease-free, but may be susceptible to glasshouse grey moulds when overwintered under glass