These shrubs can grow anywhere from 4 to 8 feet or more.
They prefer rich, slightly acidic soil but can grow in a sandy medium.
Light
Firespikes love sunshine.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Naturally found in tropical environments, these plants thrive in bright light.
Unlike most plants, firespikes willstill bloom in the shade.
However, more sunshine is best for more blooms and a healthier plant.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Soil
This plant isn’t fussy when it comes to soil pH levels.
For optimum growth, however, firespikes like rich, well-draining soils.
Sandy soils will also be tolerated.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Compost-based soil is an excellent option for extra nutrients to keep your firespike healthy and blooming.
Water
Keeping your firespike well-watered is essential because these plants depend on plenty of moisture.
Keep it consistent and water daily if you live in a dry area.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
If you forgot for a day or so and see the plant wilting, dont panic.
Firespikes are moderately drought tolerant.
Firespikes are hardy, and most bounce back after watering.
Firespikes are very hardy when it comes to hot temperatures but not so much with cold temperatures.
It can survive in areas with a light frost, but heavy frost will kill it.
In areas with a light frost, you will see blooms in late summer until the frost comes.
For areas without frost, your firespike could bloom all year long.
Fertilizer
This plant is easy-going and doesnt need any specific fertilizers.
Although, it’s possible for you to give it a general, well-balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
Fertilize once in the spring to encourage fresh, healthy growth and blooms.
Fertilize up to three times yearly or monthly during the growing season with a weakened liquid fertilizer.
Prune it with size and shape in mind.
Do not use shears.
Here’s how:
How to Grow Firespike Plants From Seed
Firespike plants produce few viable seeds.
This species is mainly propagated by vegetative reproduction.
When growing firespike in outdoor containers, it will require more frequent watering.
Smaller firespike varieties can be grown indoors in 10- to 14-inch pots.
A larger, deeper 24-inch container should suffice for bigger plants grown outdoors.
Overwintering
This shrub does best in USDA zone 10 and 11.
In cooler zones, it will die.
Bring it indoors during colder weather to overwinter the plant in cooler zones.
If inground in a zone where frost is rare but predicted, cover the firespike bushes to protect them.
However, firespike is irresistible to deer.
Occasionally, firespike can get mealybug infestations.
Test a small section of the plant first to ensure it doesn’t harm the leaves.
The exact months are dependent on the climate.
How Long Does Firespike Bloom?
Firespike blooms until frost arrives.
For places with no wintery weather, the plant flowers year round.
What Do Firespike Flowers Look and Smell Like?
The individual flowers are about an inch long and two-lipped.
It has no detectable scent.
Although firespike can grow in the shade, its blooms are more prolific with sun exposure.
A weekly dose of liquid fertilizer will help with flower production.
Common Problems
Once established, firespike is an easy-to-care-for plant.
It can tolerate a light frost but will die in a wintery weather zone.
Drooping
Firespike needs regular water, or else it will start drooping.
Give it good watering to help bring it back to vibrancy.
Put this plant in a full or partial sun location.
Breaking, Damaged Branches
Firespike is susceptible to wind damage since its branches are delicate.
Put this plant in a location with wind protection to prevent limb breakage.
Stem cuttings planted in spring are the best way to propagate firespike plants.
Flower production from a rooted stem cutting is possible within the same growing season.
Firespike plants love moisture but can withstand moderate drought.
They may appear droopy but usually recover vibrancy after a thorough watering.
Firespike plants can be grown in pots or container gardens.
Firespike plants make a wonderful addition to cutting andbutterfly gardens.
Because of their taller height, they also make great backdrops for smaller plants.
The University of Arizona.
