It's not very red as this pic shows. It's a dull orange and yellow around the edges.

The flowers don't last forever. 3-4months is a good period of time and any longer is a bonus. When it starts looking funky, drying and changing color, just cut it off.

Mine flower every August like clockwork & I still have one flower on left on it. Im not sure yet but I believe I have a new flower cooming, which is really wierd for this time of year…I’ll wait & see. I guess Im lucky? If the flowers start to look like yours does, they are nearing the end of their life cycle & should be cut off.