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Form/flower

Flower

Form

Acanthaceae

From midsummer through frost, flame acanthus is covered with long, slender, red or orange blooms that hummingbirds love. It is a drought tolerant, heat-loving small shrub that works as well in the perennial border as it does as an informal hedge or speciman plant. The bark is light and flaky and makes an interesting winter and early spring accent. Flame acanthus is late to come out in the spring, and benefits from periodic shearing or even severe cutting back in early spring. It grows in the Edwards Plateau on rocky banks and floodplains, but is adaptable to sunny, well-drained exposures throughout the state, even Houston. It is a good choice for sites with poor soils and reflected heat - although supplemental water in dry summer months will encourage flowering. It is hardy throughout zone 8, and root hardy to zone 7.

Plant Habit or Use: small shrub

Exposure: sun

Flower Color: red to orange

Blooming Period: summer
fall

Fruit Characteristics: small capsule

Height: 3 to 5 feet

Width: 3 to 4 feet

Plant Character: deciduous

Heat Tolerance: very high

Water Requirements:

Soil Requirements: adaptable

USDA Hardiness Zone: 7

Additional Comments: