This plant is easily propagated from seed or cuttings. The tiny, wingless seeds germinate readily within three weeks. Take stem cuttings during the warmer summer months. Under suitable conditions young plants grow fast and may flower within a couple of seasons. Add lots of compost to the planting area and mulch well. Water regularly, particularly if the shrub is planted in a herbaceous border away from water.

It enjoys moist conditions and is very fast-growing if well-watered. It would be perfectly at home positioned alongside a large dam, pond or water feature, where it could be kept pruned and tidied. If you have the time to spare, try pruning it into a single-stemmed tree. On farms, plant it on stream banks or in a large shrubbery, where the pretty flowers can be appreciated at close range. In home gardens, place it towards the back of an informal border-it is probably better suited to medium and larger gardens.

Wind-resistant, frost-hardy and relatively pest-free, Freylinia lanceolata prefers a sunny spot in the garden. It fares equally well in summer and winter rainfall areas. Prune this adaptable plant whenever necessary to keep it neat. If you want to harvest seed for propagation purposes, don't cut off the old flowerheads. It tolerates temperatures ranging from about -2°C to 37°C.