Firespike Plant, Red Fire Spike

Plant name: Firespike Plant, Red Fire Spike

Scientific name: Odontonema strictum

Plant description:
Odontonema strictum, commonly known as Firespike or Red Fire Spike, is a fast-growing tropical shrub valued for its bold foliage and tall spikes of vivid red flowers. This upright perennial forms dense clumps of sturdy stems, creating strong vertical structure in the landscape. Its extended bloom period and adaptability to containers make it a dependable choice for adding late-season color.

Flower description:
Bright red tubular flowers are borne in large, upright terminal spikes that can reach 8–12 inches long. Blooms appear in clusters along the spike, providing a strong vertical accent. Flowering typically intensifies from late summer into fall, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators.

Leaf description:
Leaves are large, smooth, and medium to deep green with an oval to slightly elongated shape. The foliage forms a dense backdrop that highlights the bold red flower spikes. In bright light, stems and leaf veins may develop subtle reddish tones.

Deciduous or evergreen:
Evergreen in frost-free climates; may become semi-evergreen or die back to the ground in regions with winter freezes.

USDA grow zones:
USDA Zones 8–11 outdoors; grown as a seasonal annual or container plant in cooler climates.

Mature height and width:
Typically reaches 3–6 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide, depending on climate and pruning.

Landscape uses:
Well suited for mixed borders, pollinator gardens, tropical-themed plantings, and large patio containers. Its upright growth habit makes it effective as a background plant or focal accent. Also useful for adding height and late-season color to perennial beds.

Native range:
Native to Mexico and Central America.

Sun exposure:
Performs best in full sun to partial shade. Adequate sunlight encourages stronger stems and more abundant flowering. Light shade is tolerated but may reduce bloom intensity.

Water requirements:
Prefers well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Regular watering supports steady growth and flower production. Avoid prolonged drought stress, especially during peak blooming periods.

Pests and problems:
Generally low maintenance with few serious pest concerns. Occasional issues may include aphids or spider mites. Poor drainage can lead to root problems. Good airflow helps reduce disease pressure.

Heat and sun tolerance: Cold tolerance:
Handles high heat well when soil moisture is maintained. Sensitive to hard frost; freezing temperatures can cause top growth to die back. In suitable climates, regrowth occurs from the base with the return of warm weather.

Growing tips:
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and encourage branching. Pinching young plants promotes fuller growth and more flower spikes. Position where the tall red blooms can provide vertical contrast against lower-growing plants for maximum impact.

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.