A compact, rounded evergreen shrub grown for its large, salmon-pink pincushion flower clusters, with orange stamens rising above showy, glossy red ribbon-like styles, from which the plant takes its name. Blooms are produced in such abundance they cover the plant from late spring through midsummer. Tough, leathery green foliage gives a solid backdrop to the flowers year-round. Its compact shape suits low hedges, borders, mixed plantings, and containers, and it makes an excellent cut flower.

Thrives in full sun with well-drained soil, ideally a native or low-phosphorus mix, and tolerates coastal conditions and dry periods once established. Moderately frost-tolerant, more so than many other pincushions, though a sheltered spot is best in colder regions.