A: I appreciated the photo of this plant. I was totally unfamiliar with it as it appeared to be a tropical plant so I called another Extension agent to help me. Wendy Wilber from Alachua County recognized it immediately as Holmskioldia sanguinea ‘Chinese Hat Plant’ aka cup and saucer plant, or parasol flower. It can reach heights of up to 8 feet and form a small shrub. The flowers are orange and look similar to a hat – hence the common name – Chinese Hat Plant. It is best grown in zones 10 – 11, which is south Florida. Here it may last only one season unless it is grown in a much protected area. Chinese Hat Plant can tolerate most any type of well-drained soil but light requirements are best in part sun to part shade. It has not been a favorite of gardeners as it has a tendency to get leggy and somewhat weedy looking over time. If you decide to try it, it is suggested to use it behind other shorter plants. Look over the publication from the University of Florida for specific details. http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/database/documents/pdf/shrub_fact_sheets/holsana.pdf

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