Thyrsacanthus Species, Cardinal Guard, Firespike, Scarlet Flame (Thyrsacanthus tubaeformis)
Going to seed
Photo courtesy of Calalily
Central America
I have planted 9 in my yard in various places because I want to see them wherever I go. I have one still in a pot trying to decide where to put it. (San Antonio, Tx.)
I received this plant from a friend. She called it Hummingbird plant. It has gotten approx. 4' tall in a 5 gallon pot. It blooms in the Fall, and likes the shade on my Southwest-facing covered porch (It gets plenty Evening sunshine.
Firespike provide outstanding foliage and bloom color and bloom in late summer through fall.
Beautiful dark green shiny leaves with bright red/orange flower spikes.
firespike
Lush foliage in shady locations - bloom spikes just beginning to form.
Firespike, August 2005
A real beauty that seems to tolerate sun or shade. Vigerous growth, beautiful blooms.
Firespike in Spring
Attracting nice hummingbirds like the one in the pic was my main reason for getting this beautiful plant
strictum
This plant blooms at the end of Summer here, and comes back every year.
Firespike, Cardinal Guard, Scarlet Flame (Odontonema strictum) "on fire" in morning sunlight
just amazing to look at
I love it for the deep green leaves all year round and for the bright red flowers.
Love it for its colors and the humming birds it bring to my garden.
Growing in my friends yard
Firespike, Cardinal Guard, Scarlet Flame
I have a hard time with this plant. Planted 2 years ago and just now looking decent. Seems to like a more shady spot.
Seems to prefer a shady spot in South Florida, Zone 10b.
It keeps getting bigger every year! The hummingbirds love it.
I have never started this plant from seed but if you look very closely you can see very small seeds starting to form.
It has taken this plant several years to really take off and look decent but it was woth the wait.
The flowers, when mature, have a frilly fan looking thing on the tip.
blooming end of October, southern California
hummer resting; taken through the window
November, Huntington Gardens, California
Huntington Gardens, California November
Photo courtesy of Karl Gercens. Copyright Karl Gercens. Conservatory Horticulturist at Longwood Gardens. http://www.karlgercens.com/
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About
Thyrsacanthus Species, Cardinal Guard, Firespike, Scarlet Flame
Thyrsacanthus tubaeformis
| Type: | Tropicals and Tender Perennials |
| Height: | 36-48 in. (90-120 cm) |
| Conditions: | Zone 8-11, Sun to Partial Shade |