There are many things to like about this plant, which is so drought-hardy once established. In zone 9, it is a deciduous shrub. After a frost, it can die down, but comes back faithfully in spring and quickly attains two meteror more in height. It reseeds freely, so if you don't like to deadhead, plant it somewhere that you can mow around or weed out seedlings. The plant blooms in summer and fall and benefits from pruning to a desired shape - or you can let it spread into a small tree. It can grow in alkaline to acidic, well-drained soils. blooms, but it tolerates some shade. Because of all these positive traits some people gave the Pride of Barbados the Texas SuperStar designation. It apparently also attracts butterflies and birds...for the enjoyment of all.