ODONTONEMA strictum

Unusual evergreen compact and thick shrub, coming from Central America. With a quick growth, it can reach a maximum height of 2 metres. Erect stems bring opposite and big leaves, of a dark green color and with a slightly wavy surface. During the autumn and till the first cold, there is an amazing flowering made of numerous terminal and tubular flowers with a waxy aspect and a magnificent lacquered red color.

It prefers semi shaded position because the direct sun is noot good for its leaves. It must be placed in a fresh, humid, well drained and rich in humus soil. It doesn't tolerate drought and in summer it needs frequent, regular and abundant irrigations which improve the aspect of the foliage and ensure a richer blooming in autumn. It doesn't tolerate low temperatures; intense and prolonged frosts could threaten the plant vitality. It's bettere to place it in wind-sheltered positions. in spring you can make a light pruning by removing broken, dried and damaged stems and aand by shortening the previous year's branches in order to give the plant a thicker and more ordered shape. moderate and it will need constant irrigations and fertilizations. In full ground, in fresh and shaded positions, it can be used as single specimen or together with other flower essences in order to create an attractive and rich foliage.