This is a species of milkweed. We usually we think of these plants as being perennial and while this actually is perennial, it is native to Mexico so it is grown as an annual or a container plant on the prairies. The name is derived from the fact that the Aztecs believed that it had sprang up from the blood of fallen warriors. It grows quickly from seed, and the blossoms are normally dark red, but can also be orange, yellow, or gold.
A willowy plant that reaches 2-3 ft. tall, bloodflower blooms all summer and also makes a nice cutflower. Growing it in large clumps will help it to look its best. It needs full sun and average soil but drinks quite a lot of water. A few cultivars exist, the best of which are probably ‘Red Butterfly’ (deep scarlet with yellow) and ‘Silky Gold’ (brilliant yellow). Both are more compact and heavier blooming than the species.
There is also a variegated form but it isn’t particularly noteworthy so we don't recommend it.