Odontonema strictum

Odontonema strictum, sometimes nicknamed Cardinal Flower, is a beautiful tropical bush with evergreen foliage, prized for its long-lasting autumn flowering. Its clusters of bright red flowers light up the late season. It is very sensitive to cold, so best grown in pots, ideally in a conservatory or unheated greenhouse during winter. However, in the most sheltered gardens along the Mediterranean coast, it can be acclimatised in open ground, protected from the wind. A treasure for lovers of rare tropical plants!

Odontonema strictum (synonym Odontonema tubaeforme) belongs to the Acanthaceae family. This species originates from Central and South America, notably found in Mexico, Guatemala, and Brazil, where it thrives in semi-wooded habitats and on the edges of tropical forests. This shrub has an upright and bushy habit, with erect stems, branching from the base. In open ground, it can reach up to 2 m in height and spread about 1.5 to 2 m wide. When grown in pots, its size is often more modest, around 1 m in height. Its growth is relatively fast under good conditions of warmth and humidity.

Its foliage persists in winter. It consists of large, opposite, ovate to lanceolate leaves, measuring between 10 and 20 cm long. They are a lustrous dark green, with a slightly leathery texture and entire or slightly wavy edges. Its semi-woody stems, though sturdy in appearance, are brittle and sensitive to strong winds, necessitating a sheltered location. The flowering, which usually begins in October and continues into winter, is one of the plant’s greatest attractions. The inflorescences, in up to 30cm long spikes, bear tubular bright red flowers. These flowers, though unscented, are rich in nectar. In the wild, the flowering is visited by hummingbirds and certain butterflies. Odontonema strictum does not produce fruit in our climates.

Odontonema strictum, due to its sensitivity to frost, is usually grown in pots on a terrace, balcony, or in an unheated greenhouse, but can be planted in open ground in sheltered gardens along the Mediterranean coast. It pairs wonderfully with other tropical species. For a balanced composition, combine it with a Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, a Brugmansia arborea, and a Strelitzia reginae (Bird of Paradise). These mild-climate plants will create a cohesive exotic garden, whether in pots or open ground where possible. Another advantage of this bush is its ease of propagation. It roots very easily from cuttings, allowing you to enrich your garden or share this spectacular plant with other enthusiasts.