They are smooth and sometimes greyish, forming a bold, graceful outline, even without flowers. Flower spikes are up to 15 cm long and are held well on long stems. The best display is in November. The old flowered branches must be cut out each year at the end of winter, or in warmer climates after the main flowering season in autumn. If this wood is not removed the plant becomes weak and sparse with branches falling about and blowing off in strong winds.
Plants are available from some nurseries, but seed is plentiful and easy to raise.
Seedlings should be finally planted out from small pots and will flower about a year later. They thrive in any soil, are useful for a quick cover in a difficult situation and excellent as single specimens. Allow about 1 m spacing in group plantings. Occasional applications of weak fertiliser dressings are helpful in spring and summer. They are generally pest and disease free but are occasionally attacked by aphids and caterpillars.