Propagation
Sow fresh seed during autumn in pots and place in a cold frame to germinate and maintain a temperature of 16ş to 18ş C.
Division of the clump in autumn.

Rhizome cuttings taken during winter and placed under glass. Plant out after danger of frosts.


Botanic information
Leaf: The pinnate leaves have 7 to 17 ovate leaflets up to 100mm (4in) long each with a long very slender stem. The margins are spiny and the apex is obtuse. The underside is finely pubescent and the light green upper surface is bronze when young then turns reddish during autumn.

Flower: The pendant crateriform flowers have 8-sepals with 4-red unequal outer sepals that are shed and 4-violet petaloid that are spreading. The 4-white petals form a pouch with projecting spurs and there are 4-stamens. They are arranged in a lax raceme that is held above the foliage on a slender scape and appear from mid to late spring.

Fruit: The small capsule is not commonly seen and the plant is normally reproduced vegetatively to maintain true to type.