A vigorous, sprawling shrub prized for its intensely colored bracts (modified leaves) that surround inconspicuous true flowers, blooming nearly year-round in warm climates. Extremely drought-tolerant once established and well-suited to tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate gardens.
Overview
Form
Spreading
Growth Rate
fast
Size
3–30′ tall × 3–30′ wide
Dormancy
semi-evergreen
Tolerances & Soil
high
Zone 9bZone 11a
1471013
ColderWarmer
Zone range: Zone 9b to Zone 11a
Seasonality
Bloom Season
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Season of Interest
SpringSummerFallWinter
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
pioneer
Native Range
South America (Brazil)
Function & Care
pollinator nectaryhedgerow
Establishment & Care
Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Propagation
cutting, seed
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
'Barbara Karst' and 'San Diego Red' produce vivid red bracts and are among the most widely grown; 'Golden Glow' and 'Orange King' offer warm orange tones, while 'Purple King' provides deep magenta color.
