xSprekanthus cagei Traub

Marcia C. Wilson of Brownsville, TX

Sprekelia formosissima x Habranthus robustus

Bred by John M. Cage

Sprekanthus cagei grows and blooms well in the garden anywhere the soil does not freeze. Outside, its blooming habit is similar to that of Habranthus, but the scarlet blossoms, with just a hint of violet, are much prettier than Habranthus in the opinions of most people. Also, the segs are wider and the shape more graceful than in Sprekelia. Compared with Sprekelia, Sprekanthus blooms more freely and makes a much better recurrent-blooming pot plant. Every few months, the pots can be kept dry for a month to initiate bloom.
Sprekanthus forms many offsets, which can be grown to blooming size in about one year.