Recommended in Fine Gardening Magazine's February 2006 issue as one of their 'Unusual Annuals', this vigorous bush is a fast growing shrub perfect for mixed borders or as a great backdrop for shorter annuals and perennial beds.  The 6"-8" flowers are a luminescent, pale yellow with a deep burgandy center and go all the way up each stem of the plant. This plant will easily reach a height of 10’ in one season and bloom the first year they are planted (blooms in about 75 days) and although each flower only lasts  a short time, there is a continuous succession of blooms throughout the season. The flowers are followed by upright seedpods that resemble okra and are quite ornamental in autumn.

These are a perennial in zones 10-11; a self-sowing annual in other zones. Prefer full sun and sandy soil (but will grow in part shade) – EXELLENT plant in drought conditions – will grow anywhere with very little care!