Firespike
Odontonema cuspidatum
Firespike is a perennial for focal point, mid-border, suited to shade and partial shade and loam or acid soil, flowering May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.
| Type | Perennial |
|---|---|
| Mature height | 180 cm |
| Spread | 90 cm |
| Aspect | shade and partial shade |
| Foliage | Deciduous |
| Hardiness | USDA 8a-11b, RHS H4 |
| Pollinator-friendly | Yes |
| Pet-safe | Yes |
Where to use it in a border
At around 180 cm, it sits best toward the back of a border, or on its own as a focal point with room around it. Give it about 90 cm of room to spread. It is hardy across USDA zones 8a to 11b and rated H4 by the RHS, so check it suits your area before planting.
It appears in our lists of shade, acid soil, pollinator-friendly plants, pet-safe plants.
Border Builder uses Firespike's height, spread, soil, bloom months and companions to place it in a full border plan for your own conditions, on iPhone and iPad.
Flowering through the year
Worth knowing
- It tolerates acid soil but dislikes shallow chalk.
- It tolerates a shaded, north-facing spot.
- Its flowers are valued by bees and other pollinators.
Good companions
Plants that share its conditions and style, chosen to complement its place in the border:
- Atamasco Rain Lilyto edge in front
- Creeping Phlox 'Sherwood Purple'to edge in front
- Devilwoodfor height behind it
- Dwarf Yaupon Hollyto edge in front
- Florida Leucothoefor height behind it
- Flowering Dogwoodfor height behind it
Garden styles
Coastal Foundation planting Wildlife garden Woodland
Sources
Bloom timing and hardiness drawn from: