Firespike in Spain: late colour for a sheltered garden

Firespike is a tropical shrub from central and southern Mexico to Honduras, grown for upright spikes of glossy crimson flowers from late summer into autumn. The plant covered here is Odontonema cuspidatum. The trade sometimes uses Odontonema strictum, but Kew treats that name as a synonym of a different species, O. tubaeforme, so check the plant as well as the label.

Why it earns a place

Firespike flowers late and tolerates part shade, so it can work under high tree cover and beside sheltered walls where many sun-loving shrubs do poorly. Its nectar-bearing flowers can also extend forage for visiting insects, although which pollinators use it will vary by garden.

Siting and soil

Give it a sheltered spot in part shade or gentle morning sun, in soil improved with organic matter that holds some moisture but drains freely. Full midday sun on a hot wall can scorch the leaves and fade the flowers. It also grows well in a large container, which makes winter protection possible in a colder inland garden.

Frost behaviour

In a reliably frost-free coastal microclimate firespike can remain an evergreen shrub reaching well over a metre. Light frost may cut the top growth down, but resprouting is not guaranteed after a colder or prolonged freeze. In marginal gardens, use a large container that can move under cover rather than relying on mulch alone.

Water and pruning

Water regularly through its first year and in dry spells after that; it is not a true drought plant and wilts in prolonged heat. Cut the plant back after flowering or in late winter to keep it bushy and remove frost-damaged wood, waiting until the extent of cold damage is clear.

Propagation and pests

Softwood cuttings root readily in spring and summer. Under cover or in dry heat, watch for whitefly, mealybug and red spider mite on the leaf undersides.

Sources and review

This guide was reviewed in September 2026 using the Kew Plants of the World Online records for Odontonema cuspidatum and Odontonema strictum, plus horticultural guidance on growing tropical Odontonema under shelter.