Red Firespike

​Odontonema strictum 

• ​​​Common Name: Firespike (Red) (other common names: Cardinal guard, or scarlet flame).
  
• Scientific Name: Odontonema strictum (Also called Odontonema cuspidatum or Thyrsacanthus tubaeformis)
  
• Family Name: Acanthaceae
  
• Origin: South America (but has naturalized to Florida).
  
• Height: 5’ - 6’
  
• Width: 2’-3’
  
• Growth: Fast growing.  
  
• Zone: 8A - 11
  
• Light Needs: Full Sun to partial/dappled shade.
  
• Salt Tolerance: Low
  
• Soil/PH/Texture: Acidic to mildly alkaline (pH 5.6 – 7.8).
  
• Soil Moisture: Tolerates most soils with average water needs, water regularly but do not overwater.
  
• Drought Tolerance: Fair drought and humidity tolerance.
  
• Pests/Diseases: No pests or diseases of major concern. Occasional mealy bug infestations.
  
• Growing Conditions: This is an upright clumping bush that is easy to grow. It only requires a general purpose, slow-release fertilizer in the spring and 2-3” organic mulch to help retain water but otherwise is very low maintenance.
  
• Characteristics: This evergreen shrub has glossy, smooth, green leaves, and showy spikes, clusters of with vibrant, lavender, tubular flowers that can bloom repeatedly year-round.
  
• Propagation: Easy to propagate from softwood stem cuttings or by seed.
  
• Wildlife: Attracts hummingbirds, bees and butterflies.
  
• Facts: Tolerates landscapes infested with rot-knot nematodes.
  
• Designer Considerations: Excellent for butterfly gardens, can also be used as a hedge, mass plantings, borders or in pots 3 galllon or larger that are well drained on patios.
  

Red Firespike

Location

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