A spectacular Hawaiian hybrid with large stems up to 2.5 meters tall topped in late summer to early autumn with masses of bright, dark orange, almost red flowers. Although root hardy in UK zone 9 gardens it does need a long growing season to reach flowering height so lift for the winter and continue to grow under heated glass, planting back out in the spring.

Plants left outside or under cool glass will die back for the winter but will provide plenty of lush, jungly leafy growth from late spring onwards and, if we do not get the first frost until late in the autumn, they may reach flowering height outside. Provide a humus rich, moist but well drained soil and from late April onwards feed and water heavily for maximum growth. Covering outside grown plants with a large cloche in the spring will also give them a few weeks head start increasing their chances of flowering outdoors. Mulch the rootstock with a thick layer of bark chippings or straw if a particularly cold spell is forecast.

Sent as a young plant in a 9cm pot. Sent dormant in winter and may be cut back for shipping during the growing season.

Additional photos by John Jearrard