This is NOT an ‘instant gratification plant’ but one that often gets better with age, just like the rest of us! Native to South America, these long-lasting cut flowers have clusters of azalea or orchid-like flowers that are often found in vases on the tables of favorite restaurants. Prefers full sunlight, well drained, humus-rich soil and in areas where the summers are extremely hot, a layer of mulch fosters a uniform soil temperature for longer bloom; or plant in full sun in winter hardiness zone 5-6, in light shade in winter hardiness zone 7-9.