Firespike, Cardinal Guard, Scarlet Flame (Odontonema strictum)

Firespike, Cardinal Guard, Scarlet Flame
Odontonema strictum

Firespike provide outstanding foliage and bloom color and bloom in late summer through fall.

Great photo htop. Great effect with the shadow of the flower stalk behind. Was this taken at night?

Broots, thanks. No, I took the photo as the sun was settting. I found it difficult to take a clearly focused photo of these blooms that retained the red colors accurately because the spikes shoot out at different angles putting them at different depths of field. I appreciate your comments.

Yes, I have found it difficult to get a good picture of the blooms as well. Mine looks just like yours, though, LOL.
Do you overwinter yours in a pot or leave it in the ground? I am wondering whether to just take cuttings to save or keep the whole pot, but I don't know if it will look bad all winter, lose leaves, etc...Any advice?
Thanks,
Susan

I am happy that the cuttings worked out well. Mine are in the ground, but then we very seldom have periods of prolonged cold. Mine did not freeze back last year, but did the year before when the temperatures did fall into the mid 20s a few times. After a hard freeze, they are toast. They come back from the roots here.

How tall did yours grow in a pot? Just curious ... Because mine did not freeze back, a couple are nearing 6 feet including the top blooms and they are very full. If not exposed to freezes, it just keeps on growing and becomes rather large. Next year you might want to try one in the ground; it might survive ... you never know. If you do, mulch the root area fairly deeply to test it out in your area and take some cuttings just in case the roots freeze.

Thanks for your comments.
edited for typo.

This message was edited Sep 2, 2004 3:03 PM

My plants reached 24 to 30 inches and then began to flower. Some stalks did not flower, which puzzles me. They were on the slightly shadier side, so I turned the pot weeks ago, but they never put on any flowers. I think I will try a piece in the ground next year like you suggested. Can't hurt to try as long as I keep a piece in the greenhouse, too.

One of mine that is in pure shade is just now starting to bloom, but last year it bloomed when the others did. The height yoours achieved from first year cuttings is great. Good job, Susan. They will be taller and will grow more stems from the soil level next year.

Thanks, Hazel. Guess I better plan on putting them in a bigger pot, too!

There is a variety that has purple blooms, but I have never seen one in person. I have been trying to convince my favorite nursery to order some for next spring. I would sure love to have some of them as well.

I bet that would be striking, if the purple ones are as glossy and intense as the red flowers are.
I looked at my stalks that did not flower and it seems they aborted due to insects or some other damage...there was a small amount of dried brown residue at the tip and no more leaves or buds were made since then (about 7 weeks I think). I believe I will pinch those stalks back and see what happens.

I have never had this happen. I haven't experienced any insect problems since I planted them and cannot think of what caused this damage. Pinching them back sounds like a good idea.