[Overview]
A perennial.
It has a rhizome.
The leaves are simple and basal.
A raceme at the tip of the flower stalk bears many flowers.
The flowers have bracts.
The flowers have 6 petals and usually open in the morning and wither in the evening, lasting one day.
The fruit is a capsule, and the seeds have a wing on one side.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed or by division.
It prefers sun to bright shade and moderately moist soil that is well drained and moisture-retentive.
Strong direct sunlight in summer can scorch the leaves, so move potted plants to airy shade in summer, and plant those in the ground under deciduous trees or similar.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient unless summer brings a long spell of sunny weather and the soil dries out.
Apply organic fertilizer placed on the soil in spring and autumn.
Pests and diseases include southern blight, viral diseases, aphids and slugs.
