Re: Odontonema strictum/O. calystachyum


In a message dated 7/22/2002 11:54:06 PM Central Standard Time, emhoffs@ucla.edu writes:

and discovered that the plant
Odontonema strictum (Firespike) grows to 12x10 feet I thought I'd better
ask the experts before I plant it in my garden.


I agree with Tony - I have never found this plant to be too terribly aggressive. 

I received this plant as a pass along about 7 years ago from an old homestead in central Texas.  Good plant.  Glossy foliage - red, waxy blooms that hummers love.

I have mine growing in full shade and some in part shade.  Both grow to about 5 feet or so.  If a limbs drops to the soil it will root itself but it isn't anything that is uncontrollable.  During a "real" winter, the plant will die all the way back but returns in early spring.  I find it a relief when the plant has the opportunity to die all the way down because the base of the plant can become woody and unattractive.

This year the plant was taken down but not completely.  In late March, I completely dug the plant, removed all the old wood,  and some of the larger roots.  I only left the new growth.  Now the plant is a good 3 feet and fresh looking.   Should be blooming by mid-late August and remain in bloom until Christmas for me.

I haven't had much luck with this plant in containers.

Kemberly McLain
Katy, Texas  Zone 9
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