the flowers are produced in clustered whorled inflorescences long and 6 cm in diameter on spike-like stems with each node on the top half of the stem having flowers. the inflorescences are subtended by showy bracts which can be ruby red to dark maroon or brown. the calyx is 1.5 to 3 cm. long. it is two-lipped, with the upper lip entire, or unlobed. each corolla is tubular and 2.5-3.5 cm. long, with 2 lips. the upper lip of the corolla is 7–8 mm., with two shallow lobes, while the lower lip is longer, 10–12 mm. the two fertile stamens are attached to the corolla tube. the style is forked. both the style and the stamens protrude outside the corolla tube. flowers vary in color from green through light pink and magenta to purple.