A fast, evergreen shrub from South Africa with glossy leaves and clusters of orange-red tubular flowers in the cool season. It is versatile: shear it as a hedge, let it mound naturally or train it up a wall as a vine. Hummingbirds rely on it in winter.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the shrub schedule in our Landscape Care guide. It is vigorous, and extra water mostly means extra growth. A little less water helps keep its size in check.
Pruning
It needs regular cutting back to stay dense and in bounds. Prune in late winter or spring after the main bloom. Avoid heavy pruning in fall, which removes the flower buds.
Heat
It handles summer heat, but hot south and west walls with reflected light can stress it. East exposures and filtered afternoon shade suit it well.
Cold
A hard freeze can burn the leaves and tips. Wait until spring to trim the damage.
How our designers use it
Hedges and screens
It takes shearing well and fills in quickly along walls and property lines.
A vine on walls and trellises
Tied to a support, it climbs and covers blank walls with green leaves and winter color.
Winter color
It blooms when most of the garden is resting, which makes it valuable near windows and patios used in the cool season.
Good to know
Around the pool
Low litter and no thorns. Hummingbirds and bees visit while it is blooming, so give it a little room from seating.
Vigor
Left alone it can sprawl well beyond its space and over neighboring plants. Plan on regular pruning.
