This is one of our most beautiful and special shrubs, our only member of the gloxinia family. Easy to grow in shaded areas and tolerates dry soils. Easy to raise from seed sown on the surface of a mix of half seed-raising mix and river sand. However, it is pollinated by hihi and bellbird so seldom sets viable seed in the garden. Hand-pollinate older flowers (whose stigma have become exserted) with pollen from younger flowers. Not at all frost-hardy.