Aphelandra squarrosa
saffron spike
A compact, tender evergreen shrub about 1.5-2m tall, with stout stems and dark green leaves to 30cm long, with white, silver or yellow veins and midribs. Terminal spikes to 20cm long of waxy yellow flowers and maroon tinted yellow bracts are produced sporadically throughout the year
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green White Grey | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green White Grey | ||
| Autumn | Green White Grey | |||
| Winter | Green White Grey |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Aphelandra are evergreen shrubs with opposite, simple, entire leaves, often attractively veined or patterned with silver, and dense terminal spikes of tubular, 2-lipped flowers with colourful bracts
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow indoors in a peat-free houseplant compost with added perlite, in bright, indirect light. Water freely and apply a general liquid fertiliser every 2 weeks in summer and monthly in winter. Reduce watering in winter. See houseplant cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate after flowering by cutting back the main stem to a stong pair of leaves to encourage side shoots. When these are 8-10cm (3-4in) long, detach and root
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
After flowering, cut back the main stems to a strong pair of leaves to encourage side shoots
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids, scale insects and mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.