Here by the Bay this is one of those plants only grown by those who practice zone-denial. It likes heat but little frost, so it should be grown against a warm wall or warm corner of the garden. Otherwise, it grows in USDA zone 9-11 & thrives in warmer spots where it is not so foggy. Forming a large, multi-stemmed shrub or small tree 5’-10’ tall, it produces a mass of impressive nodding, tubular, scarlet flowers on long, black stalks (ideal for the vase), July to at least September. The blooms are followed by curious black seed pods. Easy to grow in reasonably fertile soil & needs little water once established. If you have no frost, prune hard every few years. If you have frosts in the 20°-25° range, it will re-sprout again from the roots. May go deciduous. From Eastern Africa.