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
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
wildlife benefitpollinator nectaryhedgerow
Establishment & Care
Establishment
easy
Maintenance
low
Propagation
cutting, seed
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.
