The lipstick red flowers are remarkable enough to make this a choice selection, but a burst of flowers in May followed by waves of rebloom until frost make it a must-have shrub. Deadheading is not needed to keep the plant blooming.

Prefers well-drained soils but fairly adaptable to other soil types. If necessary, prune immediately after the spring bloom. Fertilize in early spring with a controlled-release fertilizer.