Is Firespike poisonous? (1)Unfortunately, white-tailed deer love firespike too, and will eat the leaves. Defoliated plants will grow new leaves, but if the deer persist, the plant eventually will be killed.
Full Answer
What is a firespike plant?
Known botanically as Odontonema cuspidatum, firespike grows 4 to 6 feet tall and produces clusters of 3-inch-long, tubular red flowers. It is a small shrub in South Florida and a clumping, herbaceous perennial in North and Central Florida.
Is a firespike tree good for shade?
Few flowering plants for shade provide such a striking burst of color. And firespike's upright growth habit makes it a good fit in small or large yards. It can work well tucked into a more formal landscape as a backdrop plant for smaller, manicured shrubs.
Can a firespike tree live in Texas?
It can tolerate some sandy soil, but it won’t live through extended periods of cold. When you learn about firespike plant information, the most crucial point is that it will live in USDA Zones 8 or higher, which means the southernmost parts of California and Texas, plus Florida.
How long do firespike flowers last?
In areas with light frost, you will see blooms in late summer until the frost comes. For areas without frost, your firespike could bloom all year long. This plant is easy-going and doesn’t need any specific fertilizers.
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Is Firespike invasive?
This drought-tolerant perennial will happily grow in sunny as well as shady locations and is easily propagated by divisions, cuttings or sometimes even by sticking a clipped off branch into the ground. One has to wonder if a plant this easy to propagate is invasive. Fortunately, the answer is 'No.
Is odontonema poisonous?
All parts of the plant are poisonous, and should not be ingested, or even burnt. Handling parts of the plant may sometimes produce allergic reactions.
What is Firespike plant?
Firespike is a long-flowering plant which is a dazzling addition to a garden. The blooms are the main attraction of the plant. They produce sweet nectar, attract hummingbirds, bees and butterflies all year round. This gorgeous flowering plant is also known by the common names including: Firespike.
Is Firespike a Florida native plant?
Known botanically as Odontonema cuspidatum, firespike grows 4 to 6 feet tall and produces clusters of 3-inch-long, tubular red flowers. It is a small shrub in South Florida and a clumping, herbaceous perennial in North and Central Florida.
When should I prune my Firespike?
If you live in an area with light frost, prune your firespike to the ground in the spring once the danger of frost is gone. This will encourage fresh, healthy growth from the plant's base. For areas without frost, simply cut the flowering stems to the ground when they are done blooming.
How fast does Firespike grow?
Firespike can be grown as a tropical container plant, an annual which grows about 2 feet the first season, or, if it survives the winter as a protected perennial growing more than 4 feet tall.
Do hummingbirds like Firespike?
The natural charm of firespike is its unbeatable combination of big green leaves topped by tall, ruby-red flower spikes that attract hummingbirds and butterflies - and it even blooms in shade. One of South Florida's best plants for hummingbirds, this shrub flowers on and off all year, even in shady spots.
Is Firespike a perennial?
Firespike is an herbaceous perennial with large showy spikes of bright red tubular flowers. These flowers attract many species of butterflies as well as hummingbirds. Firespike is one of very few red flowering plants that perform well in partial shade.
How tall does Firespike get?
Firespike Plant Information These jewels of the landscape bed can grow 4 feet (1 m.) tall, and are covered in spikes of blazing, red blooms through the fall and winter.
How do you propagate Firespike?
1:524:54How to grow Firespike from cuttings ~Garden Down South - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPull the bottom leaves. Off enough to give it enough stem to stick down to the dirt. And take someMorePull the bottom leaves. Off enough to give it enough stem to stick down to the dirt. And take some soil conditioner. And I literally just shove it down on the dirt.
How big do firecracker bushes get?
three to four feet tallFirecracker plant can reach three to four feet tall and six or more feet wide, so be sure to give it room to sprawl. However, it is a tender plant, so be sure to cover it when cold weather strikes.
How tall is a firespike?
Known botanically as Odontonema cuspidatum, firespike grows 4 to 6 feet tall and produces clusters of 3-inch-long, tubular red flowers. It is a small shrub in South Florida and a clumping, herbaceous perennial in North and Central Florida. The foot-long spikes of showy flowers appear year-round in South Florida and during fall ...
Is firespike good for cutting?
Because of its overall height and large, glossy foliage, firespike makes a great anchor when massed at the back of a garden bed. It also works well in cutting gardens.
Can firespike be grown in full sun?
Although it will grow in part shade or part sun, place firespike in full sun for best blooming. Once established, firespike is moderately drought tolerant. A hard freeze can kill the above-ground growth, but the plant will typically return in the spring.
Plant specs
These plants are moderate growers you can keep about 4 to 5 feet tall.
Plant care
Add top soil or organic peat humus, mixed together with composted cow manure, to the hole when you plant. Give the plant a hard pruning in spring for size, then let it grow up to form a nice, natural shape.
Plant spacing
Plant 2-1/2 to 3 feet apart. come out from the house 2-1/2 to 3 feet. If planting along a walk or drive, come in 3 feet.
Where does Firespike live?
When you learn about firespike plant information, the most crucial point is that it will live in USDA Zones 8 or higher, which means the southernmost parts of California and Texas, plus Florida.
How tall do firespikes grow?
Firespike Plant Information. These jewels of the landscape bed can grow 4 feet tall, and are covered in spikes of blazing red blooms through the fall and winter. If you’ve already got a successful planting bed in your yard, then you know how to grow firespikes, as they need no special care in the right environment.
When do firespike bushes grow back?
If they do get frozen, it will kill off the growth above ground, but it will usually grow back in the spring as soon as the soil warms.
Do firespikes like full sun?
The most important detail is the sun; firespikes love to live in the full sun. The plants will grow in partial sun or partial shade, but you’ll get fewer flowers and they won’t be as vibrant.
How to grow a firespike?
1. Trim a clipping off of your firespike, preferably on a softwood branch. 2. Trim leaves off of the bottom half of the cutting. 3. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone . 4. Plant with the cut side down where you would like your new plant to grow. That’s it.
What type of soil do firespikes like?
For optimum growth, however, firespikes like rich, well-draining soils. Sandy soils will also be tolerated. Compost-based soil is a great option for extra nutrients that will keep your firespike healthy and blooming.
What to do if you forgot to water firespikes?
Firespikes are hardy, and will most likely be just fine after a good drink. Keeping a layer of mulch on the soil around your plant will help retain moisture and keep the soil from drying out too quickly.
Can firespikes grow in full sun?
Firespikes can grow in partial shade as well as full sun. They like rich soil, but can also grow in a sandy medium. And, if you forget to irrigate them and find your firespike looking a little droopy, a good watering will bring them back to life. On top of this, there are not any common pests or diseases that cause much trouble for this plant.
Do firespikes like sunshine?
Firespikes love sunshine. Naturally found in tropical environments, these plants thrive in bright light. Unlike most plants, firespikes will still bloom in the shade. For more blooms and a healthier plant, however, more sunshine is best.
Who is Erica Puisis?
Erica Puisis writes about home products for The Spruce and specializes in interior design and plant care. She's contributed to Forbes and smart home blogs like Smart Home Solver and TechDigg.
Do you need to prune firespike?
Again, firespike makes for a low-maintenance addition in your garden and you won't need to invest a lot of time in regular pruning or maintenance. Occasional pruning is all that is needed since some branches can get long, unruly, or gangly looking. Give them a snip whenever you feel like your plant needs a little haircut.
