Firespike (Odontonema cuspidatum)

Known botanically as Odontonema cuspidatum, firespike grows 4 to 6 feet tall and produces clusters of 3-inch-long, tubular red flowers. It is a small shrub in South Florida and a clumping, herbaceous perennial in North and Central Florida.

The foot-long spikes of showy flowers appear year-round in South Florida and during fall and winter in North and Central Florida. They attract hummingbirds and several species of butterflies that feed on the nectar.

Because of its overall height and large, glossy foliage, firespike makes a great anchor when massed at the back of a garden bed. It also works well in cutting gardens.