This is one of the showyest late summer and fall blooming desert perennials you are apt to come across. It most definitely makes it's presence know.
At maturity the plants can reach 18-24 inches (45-61 cm) tall with a spread of 6-8 feet (1.8-2.45 m), making it hard to place in confined situations. Sighting is important not only because of it's size but also it's other needs, full sunlight, heat and a well drained soil. The hundreds of bright magenta flower buds begin to pop as the sun starts dipping toward the horizon, drawing in the night flying moths. As the glow slowly fades, one soon notices that little brown bats are flitting around, picking off some of the moths. When morning dawns, the open sprawling mounds of glabrous heart shaped foliage are evenly studded with multitudes of glowing 2 inch (5 cm)trumpets. Their exerted stamens hoping to deposit a dusting of pollen before the sun climes above the tree line and their one night of glory is passed.
With it's two to three month blooming period this is one of the main focal points of my late summer garden, compeating with Epilobium canum, Zinnia grandiflora and a trio of late season Salvias ( pachyphylla, reptans, & azurea) for your undivided attention
