Firespike
Odontonema tubiforme
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Jul 19, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
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
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
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.
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.
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.