A stunning plant, worth growing as an annual, since it is very tender perennial, hardy only to 30 degrees F. Deep burgundy flower bracts open to carmine red flowers in late summer, to form a glorious display until frost. Part shade is a necessity for 'Van Houtii' to perform well. It will grow to 4 feet tall. The lower two feet of the plant is somewhat open and gangly, so plant a lower shade loving perennial in front to hide the open stems. Plant Euphorbia 'Helena's Blush' or Phygelius 'Sunshine' in front.