This delightful plant is a smaller, prostrate relative of the larger Chenille shrub. It is highly valued in Australian gardens for its unique floral display; the flowers are actually long, pendulous racemes that look like soft, furry red tails. These “tails” appear intermittently throughout the year, with the most prolific displays occurring during the warmer months.
The foliage is composed of small, heart-shaped green leaves with neatly toothed edges, forming a dense mat that hugs the ground. Because of its spreading habit and cascading flowers, it is an exceptional choice for adding a splash of whimsical colour and texture to the garden. It is a relatively fast grower and provides a lush, tropical feel to any space it occupies.
Care Tips
-
Position: Best grown in a position with full sun to dappled shade. In hotter parts of Australia, some afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent the foliage from scorching.
-
Climate: Thrives in Subtropical and Tropical regions. It is sensitive to frost and cold winds; in temperate areas, it should be treated as a container plant that can be moved to a warm, sheltered spot during winter.
-
Soil: Prefers rich, fertile, and well-drained soil. Incorporating compost or organic matter into the soil before planting will encourage vigorous growth.
-
Watering: Requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. It does not like to dry out completely, but ensure the pot or garden bed has good drainage to avoid root rot.
-
Fertilising: Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser every few weeks during the growing season to maintain the frequency of the red flower spikes.
-
Pruning: Lightly trim the plant if it begins to spread beyond its desired area. Deadheading the spent red “tails” will keep the plant looking tidy and encourage fresh blooms.
-
Maintenance: This plant loves humidity, so if growing it in a drier climate, occasional misting or placing it among other plants can help create a suitable microclimate.
