Propagation
Sow fresh seed during autumn in pots and place in a cold frame to germinate.
Soft tip cuttings of non-flowering shoots during the growing period.
Hardwood cuttings taken in autumn.
Botanic information
Leaf: The leaves are oblong-ovate to lanceolate with a short petiole and a long acuminate apex. When young the leaves have a purplish ting and the underside is pubescent.
Flower: The crateriform flowers have 5-sepals and petals that are purplish on the back with 10-stamens that have flattened filaments. The ovary is inferior with 3-4 long styles. The flowers are arranged in an axillary corymb that is up to 70mm (2? in) long and are produced prolifically in early summer with purple buds.
Fruit: The small capsule is dehiscent and contains many small seeds that are viable but the plant is commonly reproduced vegetatively to maintain true to type.