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 dark green leaves are lanceolate-ovate to ovate-oblong with a long acuminate apex and a short petiole. The underside is slightly pubescent and the base is cuneate.
Flower: The stellate flowers have 5-sepals and petals that are tinged in red on the outside with 10-stamens that have flattened filaments. The ovary is inferior with 3-4 long styles. The flowers are arranged in a corymb-like panicle to 70mm (2? in) long and are produced prolifically over the plant in early summer.
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.