Flowers: Summer

Height: 4 feet

Hardiness Rating: 6 7 8 9

Germination: Experience Useful

Aftercare: Easy

Description: A fascinating and rarely offered species from South Africa which produces unconventional orange and red spikes which appear almost oval, rather than the traditional poker. Highly recommended border plant with a long flowering period.

Sowing Instructions: Sow in pots or trays of good seed compost. Place in a propagator or warm place, providing a temperature of about 15-20C (64-68F). Sowing Depth: 6mm (¼in). Sow February to July. After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged, germination will usually take 7-14 days.

Growing Instructions: When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays. Grow on in co oler conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost. Provide a moist, well-drained soil in full sun, spacing plants by 45-60cm (18-24in).

Aftercare Instructions: Sowings made in mid summer onwards should be overwintered in a cool position before planting out the following spring.