Drosanthemum speciosum has many common names and is also known as: 'Scarlet Dewflower', 'Red Bush Vygie' or 'Berg Vygie'.
This is a very fast-growing, evergreen small shrub or groundcover that grows in a low mound about 60 cm wide. The flowers are roughly 5cm wide and red with a white center. Flowers appear in Spring (October in my garden) and close in the evening or cloudy weather.
After 3 to 5 years the plant will become a bit woody and scruffy and should then be replaced. Fortunately it is easy to grow yourself, from cuttings (taken in Autumn) or from seed (also in Autumn). It is also commonly sold in 6-packs at the larger garden centers. The best time to plant it out in the garden is during Autumn, before the winter rains start.
Plant Drosanthemum speciosum in full sun to get the maximum amount of flowers, although it will also tolerate some light shade. This is a very drought tolerant species and only needs water once every 3 weeks in Summer once established. In fact, over-watering may cause the plant to rot, so you should keep it dry during the summer months. The soil should be well-drained, preferably sand or loam. As this plant grows naturally in the Worcester and Robertson areas, which are even hotter and drier than Cape Town, this plant grows very well in the milder conditions found in Cape Town.