Brazilian Red Cloak - 'Megaskepasma' orythrochlamys
compiled by
Lee Spindler
Where is it from?
Venezula, Costa Rica and surrounding countries.
Where can you grow it ?
As far south as Sydney depending on conditions, maybe further south in a warm protected position.
The Brazilian Red Cloak is a very showy shrub. It is fast growing and
blooms during the winter. Use mulch to keep the soil moist. The red
cloak is occasionally attacked by mealy bugs and scales. Check for them.
Deadheading the spent flower branches helps controlling the size and
keep the red cloak cleaner looking. Feed occasionally with fertilizer
for acid-loving plants.
Care
Megaskepasma
prefer a semi shade position but will also grow in full sun, they are
tolerant to light frosts. Most soil types are ok, but a rich free
draining soil is ideal, a general purpose slow release fertiliser used
in conjunction with a liquid feed through the warmer months will ensure
healthy growth. The only maintenance required is an annual prune after
flowering.
While flowering Megaskepasma can deadheaded to maintain appearance and
then it can be pruned to shape, usually in spring. Propagation is from
cuttings taken in late spring as it strikes easily from semi hardwood
cuttings if you use a rooting hormone, powder or liquid. Remember that
this plant does require a moist position and is not frost tolerant.
Mulch well to retain moisture.
Uses
Excellent
in tropical gardens, can also be planted in with other assorted
perrenials or grown in a pot to give a tropical feel to outdoor living
areas.
Category:
Tropicals and Tender Perennials
Height:
12-15 ft. (3.6-4.7 m)
Spacing:
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Hardiness:
Sun Exposure:
Sun to Partial Shade
Danger:
N/A
Bloom Color:
Scarlet (Dark Red)
Bloom Time:
Late Winter/Early Spring
Foliage:
Evergreen
Veined
Other details:
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Soil pH requirements:
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
From semi-hardwood cuttings
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed
