PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in sunny, dry locations and tolerates light afternoon shade in extreme heat
Watering
Drought-tolerant; water deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root establishment and avoid waterlogging
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C; tolerates high summer heat when provided with well-drained soil
Characteristics
- Leaf: Narrow, gray-green linear leaves with fuzzy pubescence to reduce water loss
- Flower: Bright scarlet to orange tubular blooms clustered at stem tips, adapted for hummingbird pollination
- Stem: Woody, branching stems with silvery, hair-like covering
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply every 7–10 days; allow soil to fully dry between waterings
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced organic feed once monthly. Use low-nitrogen feed to promote bloom production over foliage growth
Banana peel tea：Soak chopped banana peels in water for 3 days; dilute 1:20 for root drench; discard solids to avoid pest infestationsPruning
- Deadhead spent blooms throughout flowering season to encourage continuous blooming
- Cut back woody stems by 1/3 in late winter to stimulate new, vigorous growth
- Remove dead or damaged foliage in early spring to improve air circulation
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic to cats; no reported toxicity
Humans: Non-toxic to humans; no known adverse effects from ingestion or contact
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Valued for supporting pollinators; symbolizes resilience in arid landscapes
Usage: Ornamental for xeric gardens, rock gardens, and native plant landscapes
