Elegant tree with flame-red, striped blooms, also makes a great ferny foliage plant for indoors.

Sow March to May. Soak seed in warm water for 24 hours before sowing. Sow into pots or trays of moist soilbased potting mix and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator or warm place, and keep at a constant temperature of between 20-25C (68-77F). After sowing, do not exclude light as this helps germination. Keep the surface of the compost moist but not waterlogged; germination can take 1-3 months.

When large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots of soil-based potting mix.

When well grown, pot on as required and grow in well-lit conditions. In warmer regions, plants can be grown outdoors in a sunny border. In cooler regions, grow in pots in the greenhouse or conservatory, or outdoors with winter protection. Ensure a minimum winter temperature of 7C (45F).

Feed plants with liquid fertiliser monthly, and water sparingly in winter. Remove faded flowers after blooming, and trim back growth as required.