Common name
Flame Acanthus
Scientific name Anisacanthus quadrifidus, syn. Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii
Plant type Shrub
Other Common Names Wright's Desert Honeysuckle, Hummingbird Bush, Wright Acanthus, Mexican Flame, Wright's Mexican Flame
Soil texture Sand, Loam, Clay, Caliche, Limestone
Growth behavior Self-sows
Notes
Flame Acanthus is covered with gorgeous red flowers during the hottest parts of the summer, and continuing into the fall. Hummingbirds absolutely love it. One of our toughest plants, highly drought tolerant once established.
Left unpruned, I’ve seen these grow as wide as 6 ft or more. Cut back to 1/3 in late winter, before spring growth emerges. If it gets unwieldy because of abundant spring rains, you can cut back the leggy bits in June.
Plant this where it catches the rays of the morning or evening sun, and it will look like the whole bush is on fire, living up to its name.
Know the Plant Bat IRL?
We have Flame Acanthus to spare! These seed out easily and produce plenty of volunteers. Very easy to transplant.