Odontonema cuspidatum
The size of the plant and of its bag can vary a little from the photograph — each one grows at its own pace. We keep them as consistent as we can.
Overview
Firespike is one of the few shrubs that gives fiery red flowers in the shade: long spikes of scarlet tubular flowers above large, glossy, dark green leaves. Its flowers are full of nectar and a magnet for hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. It's native to Mexico and Central America and was formerly known as Odontonema strictum. Easy, showy and generous.
Culture
A shrub of 1.2–1.8 meters that grows best in partial shade, though it tolerates full sun with good moisture; its flowers keep their red color even in shade. It wants soil rich in organic matter, moist but well drained. It propagates very easily from cuttings. It's used for hedges, borders and as an accent plant. Planting distance: 1–1.5 m.
Edible Uses
No known edible uses.
Medicinal
No well-documented medicinal uses.
Traditional uses for information only. Not a substitute for advice from a health professional.
Agroforestry
A support species of the medium stratum with a secondary life cycle, ideal for shady areas under trees. It's one of the best plants for feeding hummingbirds and butterflies in the system.