Odontonema strictum(firespike)
Posted: November 1st, 2013, 6:00 pm
Botanical Name | Odontonema strictum |
Family | Acanthaceae |
Genus | Odontonema |
Specie | strictum |
Common Name | Firespike, Cardinal Guard, Scarlet Flame |
Life Cycle | Tropicals and Tender Perennials |
Fragrant or Not | no |
Category(Bush/Vine/Tree) | shrub |
Height | 2-6 ft. |
Spacing | 24-36 in. |
Flowering Months | fall |
Flower Color | Red |
Growing Areas | All Pakistan |
Frost Tender | yes |
Exposure | Sun to Partial Shade |
Soil pH | neutral |
Propagation | From softwood cuttings |
Uses | ornamental plant |
Other Details | Firespike is a showy evergreen shrub with sparse, stiff branches that grow mostly straight up to about 6 ft (1.8 m) tall. It has shiny dark green leaves with wavy margins and long pointed tips. The leaves are oblong, arranged opposite each other on the stem, and 4-6 in (10-15.2 cm) long. From late summer through winter firespike produces abundant 9-12 in (23-30.5 cm) upright panicles of brilliant red tubular flowers. The individual flowers are about an inch long and two-lipped (symmetrical).Firespike does well in full sun and in partial shade. Firespike likes moist but well-drained soil. Once established it can tolerate all but the longest droughts.The strikingly beautiful crimson flowers and glossy/shiny leaves of firespike brighten the fall landscape. Plant firespike in mixed shrub borders. It will spread by underground sprouting, enlarging to form a thicket, but it is easy to control and keep contained. Firespike is a must-have for butterfly and hummingbird gardens. |