Mid-Winter Downunder - Strobilanthes dyerianus blooming

I love this plant...I've had several in the past. They only live about 3 years or so...then need to be replaced.

I rarely would let mine bloom. When they bloom here it shortens their lifespan.

This plant was the scraggliest looking thing for around a year and a half and never looked any good. Now, after reading your comment, Andy, I'm thinking it might have been quite an old plant when it was given to me!

Anyway, I got cranky with it and cut it down to a stub. It threw out some new stems and then suddenly it was flowering. The stems barely reach 30 cms in length but they're covered in flowers. I've just left it to bloom. It will be interesting to see what it does from now on.

Bernieh:

I've had the same experience growing this plant. It usually looks good for a couple of years...and has to be cut back regularly. However, after the third year (here anyway) it just doesn't look so hot. :>)