Family Lamiaceae
Originating from Brazil
- Tropical and exotic looking lush foliage borne on tall stems.
- Outrageously rich coloured orange and burgundy flowers.
- A tender plant, ideal for patios in pots or planted out for the summer.
Flamboyant and bold, the rich green furry foliage is deeply veined and is borne on tall stems that become woody at their base. They terminate in their ever-present, all-summer spikes of flowers. Temperatures below 2 or 3 degrees above freezing will cause damage to the foliage and tips of the stems, although the woodier growth will survive.
The deep orange/burgundy flowers make this a must-have for all exotic planting schemes. Whether placed on a sunny patio or planted out for summer as a bedding plant, to be returned to a frost-free conservatory or greenhouse for winter, it forms a star-of-the-show specimen for the entire summer. Although it looks great planted out as bedding or displayed in a pot amongst other exotics, the combination of its upright stems bearing strikingly plush foliage and flowers makes it a stunning specimen for any style of garden.
Vigorous and easy to grow in full sun or part shade in any loamy compost in large pots or garden soil. Treat as an annual or place in a frost-free conservatory when temperatures approach 5 degrees.
Height and spread after 1 -2 years 70cm x 70cm
Mature height and spread after 2 – 3 years 1.5m x 1m