Bloom time: Whether planted in sun or shade, it starts blooming in spring (the first bloom after being moved to the shade was April 15 with lots of other buds to follow). Heaviest bloom is in Fall.
Scent: Leaves smell like pineapple when rubbed or crushed, but I have not noticed a strong scent when just brushing by or walking by the plant.
Sun/shade: Seems to prefer a little shade. In November 2002 I moved it from a hot, sunny spot in front of a retaining wall to a much shadier and cooler spot beneath a tree where it gets direct morning sun, then dappled shade. It seems much happier there, and the bright green leaves retain their green color rather than turning pale or the edges turning brown as it did in the sun.
Planted: Late spring, 2002 in full sun; a rooted division was moved to a shadier spot in November, 2002.
Conditions: Currently in a spot with morning sun / dappled shade. Previously, it was in a very sunny spot in front of a hot retaining wall; the edges of the leaves turned brown even though the plant was sufficiently watered. This plant prefers a spot with some shade, protected from hot sun. Planted in well-amended clay soil.
Other comments: Prefers cooler temperatures (spring, fall), and dappled shade. Dense, low, spreading habit. Stems trail and root on the ground. Also spreads from underground runners, but it is not rampant; it's too early to tell how far it will eventually spread, but it is reportedly not invasive. I nice groundcover for the front of a wide border if given enough room. The bright green leaves provide a beautiful background for the vivid red blooms.
