by KYW's Fran Sorin

If you’re already dreaming about your garden for next spring and want to plant a show stopper shade annual, I’ve got a fabulous one for you.

This past year was the first time that I tried Brazilian Fireworks Maracas in one of the shadiest parts of my garden and boy was I ever pleased!

It’s a tropical plant with variegated elegant pointed leaves and flowers that will take your breath away. They’re bicolored purple and sharp red blooms that are perfect for containers or in mixed borders. It bloomed for me throughout the summer and into the fall, even in extreme heat. I love this tropical plant so much that I’ve brought it indoors to overwinter so I can use it again next season. I highly recommend it.

Contact Fran Sorin at fransorin.com.