One of our homes in South Africa had a 'hedge' of red hot pokers. They always seemed to be in bloom as I recall. It was upcountry though (near Johannesburg) - dry like California, but with summer rains. Zululand is down on the Indian Ocean coast, and does have some humidity, so maybe this lot just enjoys all climates?
Those and hydrangeas are probably the plants that I remember most from my early, early years.
Great pop of colour.
Cheers,
Mike