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.

Botanic information
Leaf: The dull green leaves are narrow-elliptical or obovate with an acute apex and a short petiole. The growth has a coppery colour and is densely pubescent.

Flower: The cyathiform flowers are up to 7mm (Ľin) longwith a short calyx tube with 5-small deciduous calyx lobes and 5-rounded petals. The dull red exserted stamens are arranged in whorls. The flowers are arranged in a cylindrical spike up to 80mm (3?in) wide and appears from early to late summer.

Fruit: The rounded capsule is woody with a broad opening and has 3 to 4 cells that contain small brown seeds. The small seeds are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively to maintain true to type.


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.