This plant flowers all season long in north TX in full sun until about 3 oclock in the afternoon (I keep mine in a greenhouse Dec 1st thru March 15th). Puts on a constant display of flowers, no matter how hot it gets. Even if you treat it like an annual in zone 8a, it should be given consideration because many plants stop flowering when it really heats up here. I'm going to try this in the ground next winter and see whether it will overwinter.

Reply to this comment

This smaller shrub is native from southern Mexico through Panama to Bolivia. It is everblooming at least some with red or pink flowers that are showy from the large number of long stamens. It develops flat brown legume pods as the fruit, being in the Legume Family, and they can be pruned away if wanted. The flowers are liked by bumblebees and butterflies. Outdoors in the warm zones it grows best in part-shade and moist, well-drained soil. It makes a good houseplant in a building with strong indoor light. It also makes a good annual for the northern, colder zones.

Reply to this comment