When living in Corpus Christi, I enjoyed growing a plant called Firespike (Odontonema strictum). It's large, dark green glossy leaves emerged in late spring in a shaded spot in my yard, making a lush and luxurious clump. Then in late summer, firey red spikes emerged, drawing in every hummingbird to fight over the clusters of tubular blooms. When I moved 8 hours and almost 2 USDA cold hardiness zones north to Tyler, I figured had to leave this favorite tender tropical in containers. But, on a whim, I planted in a shady spot, and for the last 12 years have been enjoying firespike and fighting hummingbirds every fall. I'm testing out a new purple variety - supposedly not as hardy and vigorous - we'll see. It just started blooming in my garden. (click on image for a larger view)
