Description
Form: Herb.
Lifespan: Perennial.
Leaf retention: This plant dies to the ground in freezing temperatures.
Growth rate: Rapid.
Mature Size: 1-3' (30-90cm) high and 2' (60cm) wide.
Flowers: Bright red, tubular, about 1" (2.5cm) a long, lower lip at a right angle with two lobes, and stamens extending beyond the upper lip, inedible. These flowers are arrayed on terminal spikes about 12" (30cm) long.
Bloom: All year in frost-free areas.
Fruit: Up to four tiny seeds at the base of each dried flower.
Leaves: Green, broad, pointed, course textured, somewhat hairy, pungent, inedible.
Stems: Erect to floppy and prone.
Wildlife: The flowers attract bees, large butterflies, and hummingbirds. The foliage is usually avoided by mammals.
Toxic / Danger: Consuming any part of this plant can cause gastric distress in humans, but it is not poisonous to pets.
Origin: Texas through Florida, Mexico, Central and South America.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: As a perennial 7b-11.
Heat tolerant: Yes, especially in part shade.
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: This plant needs part to full shade during the hottest months of the year.
Soil: Well draining, pH 6.1-8.5 (slightly acidic to alkaline).
Water once established: Once or twice a month. The plant will have a better appearance during the hottest months if watered weekly.
Mulch: Apply organic mulch just before freezing temperatures arrive to protect the root area.
Prune: Cut to the ground just before freezing temperatures occur. In mid-summer, if the plant is leggy, cut it back half-way to develop a bushy appearance.
Litter: Low except dieback in freezes.
Propagation: Seed. This plant self-seeds easily.
Uses: Ornamental, wildlife garden.

Comments
Although a member of the Mint family (Lamiaceae), this entire plant is inedible. The butterfly is a Pipevine Swallowtail.

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