Photo by Karl Gercens III
Used with permission, all rights reserved
Odontonema tubaeforme
Also Known As
- Justicia tubaeformis
- Odontonema longifolium
- Odontonema strictum
- Thyrsacanthus strictus
- Thyrsacanthus tubaeformis
- Cardinal Guard
- Firespike
- Scarlet Flame
Plant type
perennial
size
- H: 3'-5'
- W: 2'-3'
planting zones
- 8a-11
Odontonema tubaeforme plant details
Odontonema tubaeforme is a broadleaf deciduous perennial with green foliage. In fall and summer red flowers emerge. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with mostly shade - shade and even moisture water. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.
CHARACTERISTICS OF Odontonema tubaeforme
- Plant type: perennial
- Plant family: acanthaceae
- Foliage: deciduous green
- Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 3 FT - 5 FT - tall
- Flowers: red blooms in fall and summer
- Uses: container plant, showy, tropical-looking
GROWING CONDITIONS for Odontonema tubaeforme
- USDA Zones: 8a - 11
- Sun exposure: mostly shade - shade
- Watering frequency: even moisture
- Resistant to: heat
- Soil needs: average and well-drained
Nursery contributed plant descriptions
Brilliant red tubular blooms are borne in spikes atop the glossy green foliage in fall and winter. An upright yet bushy shrubby perennial. Hardy through most winters. A Dawn Stover Nifty Fifty favorite herbaceous plant! Dawn is a Research Associate at Stephen F Austin in Nacogdoches, TX and currently maintains the Mast Arboretum plant collection. For more about Dawn, the wonderful arboretum, and Stephen F Austin's excellent horticultural program click here.
By: Almost Eden
ODONTONEMA STRICTA, known as firespike, a small to medium shrub growing to 5' in zones 8-11. Likes part shade to shade with 4-6" leaves, shiny with wavy margins. Likes moist rich soil, well drained. Flowers summer and fall with beautiful spikes of crimson red tubular waxy blossoms that are loved by hummingbirds. Grow as a annual in north.
Garden photo gallery of Odontonema tubaeforme
Gardening facts about Odontonema tubaeforme plant
How to Grow Odontonema tubaeforme
Sun Exposure
- mostly shade - shade
Water Needs
- even moisture
Soil Needs
- average
- well-drained
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
Features
Foliage Color
- green
Flower Color
- red
Wildlife
- hummingbirds
Flower Season
- summer
- fall
Foliage Season
- deciduous
Landscape groups by tags
See other plant types of Odontonema for your garden
aka Cardinal's Guard, Variegated Firespike
Plant Type
Perennial
Zones
9a-11
Size
Height: 2'-3'
Width: 2'-3'
- bright shade - mostly shade
- even moisture
View Plant
aka Odontonema callystachyum, Purple Firespike
Plant Type
Perennial
Zones
8a-11
Size
Height: 2'-3'
Width: 2'-3'
- sun - shade
- regular
View Plant
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