| Imposing spikes of bright orange, gladiolus-like flowers from June to September. These vibrant plants have large green leaves with striking yellow veins and purple coloured stems. Indian shot plants make an excellent centre-piece for a sunny, sheltered border. Perfect for the exotic garden, in frost-prone areas the tubers must be over-wintered in a frost-free conservatory or greenhouse.Position: full sunSoil: fertile, well-drained soil or loam-less potting compostFlowering period: June to SeptemberFlower colour: orangeOther features: variegated, arching leavesHardiness: half hardyGarden care: Avoid planting out young plants until all risk of frost has passed. Water regularly during the growing season, applying a phosphorus-rich liquid fertiliser each month. In frost-prone areas lift the rhizomes in autumn and store in a frost-free environment in barely-moist compost or leaf mould Llandaff`, Cosmos astrosangineus |