Flowers: Mid Summer to late Autumn

Height: 36 inches

Position: Full Sun

Hardiness Rating: 7 8 9

Germination: Experience Useful

Aftercare: Easy

Description: A native of Kenya, this unusual Red Hot Poker produces open racemes of coral pink blooms, with a lower petticoat of fiery yellow-orange florets. Flowers in sucession from mid summer to late autumn. A delight in any border.

Sowing Instructions: Sowing Time: February to June or September to October. Sow into pots or trays of moist seed compost and cover with a 1/4in layer of compost or vermiculite. Keep at a temperature of between 15-20C (59-68F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination will usually take 7-21 days.

Growing Instructions: When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots or trays. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 45-60cm (18-24in) apart. For best results, provide any ordinary, well-drained soil in full sun.