By Debbie Roland

Master Gardener

Flame Acanthus is a heat-loving hummingbird magnet that brings a fiery color to your garden. Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii is the choice for our area and is on the Permian Basin Master Gardener Plant List. Also known as the hummingbird bush this native Texas plant is a favorite for wildlife lovers and xeriscape gardeners.

It is a deciduous shrub that will grow 3’ to 5’ tall and wide. In early summer, it bursts with bright orange-red tubular flowers that continue blooming until fall, especially with regular pruning or light shearing. Butterflies and bees are also attracted to it making it a key player in a pollinator-friendly landscape.

Its greatest strength is its ability to handle the West Texas heat and drought. Once established it needs litt

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