About
This shrubby, upright plant with oblong-lanceolate leaves to 20cm long. Long, red, tubular flowers, to 4cm long, are borne in drooping racemes, primarily in winter.
About the genus
Odontonema are erect tropical perennials or shrubs with opposite, entire leaves, often large. Flowers are clustered in the axils of bracts, forming a plume-shaped flowerhead.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectSouth-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Shrubs
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical
Native toColombia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in peat-free John Innes No 3 compost in bright filtered light. Between spring and autumn, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser once a month. Water sparingly in winter and top dress or repot in spring
PruningPruning group 8
PropagationPropagate by softwood cuttings with bottom heat in late spring or early summer
Pest resistanceGlasshouse whitefly may be a problem
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free