Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. Wrightii, Anisacanthus wrightii

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. It 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 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.