• NATURE ATTRACTION – These plants attract hummingbirds and
other birds into the garden with their sweet pollen-bearing flower
anthers.
• KEY TIPS – They are drought tolerant once established. Water less in
the winter compared to the summer blooming season.
• SHELF LIFE – Re-pot into larger pots or the garden immediately after
the night temperatures stay above 35 degrees.
• PLANT PREPARATION- Cut away any yellow or brown leaves or broken
stems that may have occurred. This grooming is completely normal
and will take place as the plant grows.
• POTTED PLANTS- Repot the plants into larger 6-8 inch pots separately
or together inside one larger container. You may increase pot size
each spring until it is in a 15 inch container.
• SOIL- They prefer bagged potting mixes for houseplants that will
drain well. Most garden centers carry various brand names with perlite,
vermiculite, soil and sand.
• GARDEN PREPARATION – If you live where it rarely freezes they may
be planted directly into the garden. If your soil is clayish amend it with
a standard garden soil for adequate drainage.
• PLANTING SPACING – If planting in garden or together in one container
space 12 to 24 inches apart.
• WATER- Water the plants thoroughly letting the excess water drain
through the bottom of the pot. Be sure to keep excess water out of
any saucer underneath pot. Repeat once or twice times a week all summer
long and less in the winter months.
• FERTILIZER- To promote more flowers use a well balanced fertilizer
like Roberta’s Flower Magic Plant Food once a week all year round.
• LIGHTING- Full sun is best. Otherwise a half a day of sun is sufficient.
• BLOOMING - Blooms after 8-10 weeks upon receipt and will continue
to bloom throughout the summer if fertilized with Flower Magic Plant
Food once a week all summer long.
• TEMPERATURE ZONE 9 to 11- These are hardy down to about 30
degrees Farenheit. If you live where it rarely freezes they may remain
outside year round.
• WINTER DORMANCY – Plants rest from November through April.
They may drop some foliage though not much. Reduce watering to
once or twice a month.
• GROOMING- Remove spent flowers and flower stems. In addition,
cut away any yellow, brown leaves or broken stems that naturally occur.
This grooming is completely normal and will take place as the plant
grows. New leaves and stems appear as the old ones are pruned away.
• PROPAGATING- The plants can easily be sub-divided every 3-4 years.
• CUT FLOWERS – They make excellent cut flower arrangements.
• STAKING – The flower stems usually need no staking.
