 Variations are not uncommon; some flowerheads may be more globular or cone-shaped than dome-shaped, and the bracts may be whitish or dark red.The tips of the stigmas of some inflorescences may be whitish, contrasting with the red colour of the rest of the flowerhead.An individual flowerhead reaches full size about two weeks after first emerging from the bracts, and lasts another two weeks before the flowers fade and fall.