[Overview]
An annual or perennial.
The stems are slender.
The leaves are simple and opposite.
Racemes emerge at the stem tips.
The flowers are two-lipped, and the lower lip has 2 pouch-shaped spurs.
There are 4 stamens.
The fruit is a capsule containing many seeds.
[Cultivation]
Propagate from seed.
It prefers a sunny, well-drained, well-ventilated place.
It dislikes heat and humidity, so during long rainy spells it is good to move potted plants to a well-ventilated place out of the rain.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries; for plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
For plants in the ground, no fertilizing is particularly necessary if a base fertilizer is applied; for potted plants, apply a small amount of slow-release fertilizer from autumn to spring.
Remove spent flowers promptly.
Pests and diseases include viral disease, gray mold and aphids.
