Postage : Seeds only $4 / Plants $20
A soft, grey, sub-shrub from the South West United States, where, as here, it is exceptional for flowering during the heat and drought of summer and autumn. When tubular, scarlet flowers adorn the plant profusely and are much loved by hummingbirds, or honey-eaters in our case.
Good drainage is preferred, though heavy soils may be tolerated briefly. An occasional drink over summer will encourage flowering but is not necessary, too much and you will permanently prevent flowering and life. Probably a strictly west cost plant, it may be worth trying in the eastern states with impeccable drainage, full exposure and no irrigation, though I suspect success would be only temporary.
Cut back to ground level during winter when new growth is seen at the base otherwise it tends to become untidy by flowering time.
Given bare soil seedlings can appear and transplant readily. Seedlings may differ from their parents with leaves that can be silver to sage green and with flowers varying in their depth of colour. These variations can be seen in the nursery and all are lovely, in time separate clones may be selected based on arbitrary and distinct qualities.
An upright evergreen shrub tolerant of dry conditions. Coarsely textured deep green lance shaped leaves occur in pairs on erect woody stems. At the top of each stem during autumn and winter dense whorls of bright orange tubular flowers are produced. Attracts nectar feeding birds. Very tough.
A tender variety derived from the high altitude Brazilian species S. splendens commonly encountered in dwarf forms used in bedding schemes, performing dependably with good drainage, enough summer water and protection from wind, midday sun and frost. In the right location it will grow rapidly forming an erect shrub clothed in thinly textured, broadly lanceolate leaves, and bear short spikes of tubular, two lipped flowers in a scrumptious rich purple from darker bracts. Very showy, lush, and flowering almost year round.
Thin old exhausted stems to make way for vigorous new basal growth when it is seen. Expect a life span of 3-4 years, better to replace tired plants with young fast growing new ones than to nursemaid them in senescence.