Propagation
Surface sow fresh seed during spring in a well-drained media, and maintain a temperature of 16ş to 18ş C. (61ş to 64ş F). Prick out and pot up when they are large enough to handle.

Stem cuttings of non-flowering shoots during the growing period.

General pruning information
To maintain a bushy habit cut back just behind the spent flowers to a node. Be careful not to prune too hard into old wood as this may cause dieback. If an old plant becomes leggy it may be cut back to ground level, where it will rejuvenate.


Botanic information
Leaf: The variable sized glossy dark green leaves are ovate-lanceolate up to 40mm (1˝in) wide with thickened margins. The apex is acuminate and the petiole is short. This species has the largest leaves in the genus and the new pubescent growth is pinkish.

Flower: The cyathiform flowers are arranged in a cylindrical spike up to 50mm (2in) wide. The flower is up to 6mm (Ľin) longwith a short calyx tube, 5-small deciduous calyx lobes and 5-rounded petals. The red exserted stamens have yellow anthers and the flower are arranged in whorls, appearing from late winter to early spring.

Fruit: