Shrub
Firespike
Odontonema tubiforme
Varieties We Carry
StandardOdontonema tubiformeRedOdontonema tubiformePurpleOdontonema tubiforme
Sizes & Pricing
4 inFrom$4.50
3 galFrom$16.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Apr 20.
LightFull Sun, Part Shade
WaterModerate
Mature size4-6 feet × 3-4 feet
About Firespike
Firespike (Odontonema strictum) is a fast-growing tropical shrub producing tall spikes of vivid red tubular flowers in fall and winter — a critical nectar source for hummingbirds and butterflies during the cooler months. Hardy to zone 8b, it thrives in NE Florida landscapes in sun or shade and rebounds readily from freeze dieback. Starting at $4.50.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Fall, Winter
- Flower Color
- Red
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen (dies to ground in freezes, root-hardy zone 8b+)
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Performs well in full sun to part shade — one of few red-flowering plants that blooms well in shadier spots. In NE Florida, part shade (3-5 hours of direct sun) suits it well under tall trees, though full sun produces the fullest plant.
Water
Keep consistently moist but not waterlogged; moderately drought-tolerant once established. In NE Florida's sandy soils, water regularly during dry periods, especially during the fall-winter bloom season.
Soil & Fertilizer
Adapts to a wide range of well-drained sandy and loamy soils common in NE Florida. Fertilize lightly two or three times per year with a balanced slow-release fertilizer; avoid heavy feeding. In zone 9b, plants may freeze to the ground but resprout from roots in spring — cut back dead stems to 6 inches after last frost.
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Common questions
Is Firespike a good plant for St. Augustine?
Firespike is a shrub for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with low salt tolerance, reaching 4-6 feet × 3-4 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.