It's pretty, What is it?

The Scientific Name: Porphyrocoma pholiana
Common Name: Brazilian Fireworks Maracas
The seeds are listed under Ornamental Grasses in Lindenberg Seeds catalog ( 12 to 15 seeds - $6.50 ) new for 2007.
Sure is a funny looking grass, Maybe in the tropics grass grows this way.

Every year I like to grow something different and exciting, last year it was Forever Blue Lisianthus.

Thanks for looking.... Bruce

Here is a link that might be useful: Forever Blue Lisianthus

I'll have to check out some seeds next year ;)

Are you planning on bringing it indoors for the winter?

Sharon

I'm thinking about it, I hope to get some seeds off it.;-)
Email me later in the fall
Hope to have my DM take one into her basement grow room.

Have to warn you though, I grew it in my green house. The
one I gave my DM only grew about a third of the size and doesn't even look like it wants to bloom. Needs warmth and shade. (we had a fairly cool summer)

I had one of these started from seed last year. It barely grew all season and definitely didn't bloom. I transplanted into a small pot in fall and brought inside. It bloomed a few times during the winter/spring and the blooms are fairly long lasting. I put it back outside this year and it's done okay, I didn't put it in the best spot but it still bloomed. So, it looks like it can be used from year to year.

As for it being a grass, perhaps the people at Lindenburg are just confused.

Glen

Thanks Glen, for letting me know that it does well in the house.
Did you keep it under lights or just in a window?

Guess I should have checked my link first (I see you had it on a bright window sill)
I also found out this plant is a perennial not an annual

It's from the Acanthaceae family

A bright windowsill seemed to do the trick, though I'm sure it might do even better under plant lights (I usually don't keep my plant lights on year round, only in spring). One downside on the windowsill is that I think it experienced some cool nights (but not below freezing). As I mentioned, it barely grew the first year for me outside due to competition from the hibiscus, so when I brought it inside it was able to fit in a plastic 'beer' cup. Classy, I know, but I like starting plants in those cups as they fit on my windowsill whereas a bigger pot won't.

Glen

I grow mine under the benches in my tropical greenhouse. This plant is commonly called the brazilian firework plant or the rose pinecone flower. Expected height should be about 8"-10" and just as wide and makes a terrific houseplant.As was previously stated, this plant flourishes in warmth and shade, and is in fact one of the better plants for a north or east window. Make sure to feed once a month ( I use a Mixture of fish emulsion and guano) and keep moist all year. Do not fertilize during winter months as our sunshine levels are too low to produce abundant growth. Although I have grown this plant outside during the summer months, it is so pretty as a pot plant that I now always keep them potted.

Sharon I got some seeds off my brazilian firework plant. If you would like some give me an email, it on my page.

Bruce