Firespike is an herbaceous perennial growing to about 4 feet tall with an upright habit which has naturalized in Florida. The shiny, dark green leaves of this plant reach a length of 7 to 8 inches. Firespike may be placed in a large bed of perennials or mass planted. In full sun the bright red flowers will appear frequently and make good cutting flowers.

Beautiful terminal spikes of tubular red flowers appear on firespike in the fall and winter. These showy flowers attract hummingbirds and several species of butterflies.

Frost can cause this plant to freeze back to the ground however it will recover nicely in the spring. It is an extremely drought tolerant plant once established. however, firespike has poor salt tolerance and deer have been known to eat it.