Hebenstretia comosa sprouts annually from a woody rootstock with multiple shoots up to 60cm. The  curiously formed small white flowers, which are disposed in a long slender spike, have bright orange-scarlet blotches that are conspicuous and interesting when closely examined. The flowers are densely crowded on top of the inflorescence. The flowering season is very long.

 The plant is compact and upright and is normally found amongst grasses. It occurs in a wide variety of habitats which makes it an ideal choice for the garden.