This Purple Firespike is a beautiful alternative or accompaniment to the Red Firespike. With vividly colored flower spikes, this plant is another favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies. Firespike can grow in full sun but will also thrive and bloom in a shady area.
How to care for Purple Firespike
Light. Like other firespikes, it blooms most in full sun but also grows in partial shade. It is one of few plants that flower well in a partly shaded spot.
Water. Water while it establishes. After that it is moderately drought tolerant.
Soil and feeding. Firespikes handle slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil, from sand to loam.
Size. Grows to about 6 ft. Space plants 2–3 ft apart for a mass planting.
Pruning. If it gets too tall, cut it back several times during the growing season.
Problems to watch. Firespikes have no serious pests or diseases.
Good to know. Flower spikes attract hummingbirds and butterflies. A hard freeze can kill the top growth, but plants usually return in spring.
Sources: UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Firespike · UF/IFAS EDIS FP445: Odontonema strictum, Firespike
