The Firecracker Lily (Bessera elegans), native to Mexico, is a captivating tender perennial known for its vibrant, pendulous, bell-shaped flowers. These blooms evoke bursting fireworks, adding an exotic flair to gardens. Its striking appearance and relatively straightforward care make it a favored choice for many gardeners.
Firecracker Lily Characteristics
The Firecracker Lily features slender, grass-like foliage. Its most striking feature is the distinctive, fiery orange-red flowers, though variations can occur. These bell-like blooms hang in nodding clusters on arching stems, with each stem producing up to nine flowers, each 1 to 3 inches long.
Firecracker Lilies bloom from late summer to early autumn. The plant reaches a mature height of 18 to 24 inches, with some varieties growing up to 3 feet tall, and spreads 3 to 6 inches wide. As a tender perennial corm, Bessera elegans is hardy in USDA Zones 8 through 10. In colder regions, it is grown as an annual or its corms are lifted for winter storage.
Planting Firecracker Lilies
Plant Firecracker Lily corms in spring, after the last frost and when the soil has warmed. Full sun (at least six to eight hours daily) is crucial for abundant flowering. Partial shade is tolerated, especially in hotter climates, but insufficient light reduces blooming.
Well-draining soil, such as sandy loam, is paramount to prevent corm rot. Firecracker Lilies tolerate soil pH from slightly acidic to neutral. When planting, place corms 2 to 3 inches deep and space them 3 to 6 inches apart. After planting, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the corms.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Consistent moisture is beneficial during active growth, but avoid waterlogging to prevent corm rot. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings, then water deeply.
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every two to four weeks during active growth to support robust flowering. Taller varieties may benefit from staking to support slender stems, especially in partial shade. Use soft ties or twine in a figure-eight pattern to secure stems without damage.
Deadheading (removing spent blooms) can improve appearance and encourage more flowers by redirecting energy from seed production. Few severe pest or disease issues affect Firecracker Lilies. Poor drainage can lead to corm rot, and common pests like aphids, slugs, or snails may occasionally appear. Good cultural practices, like proper watering and air circulation, deter problems, and organic pest control can address infestations.
Winter Dormancy Care
Firecracker Lilies naturally enter a dormant period after flowering, typically as temperatures begin to drop in late autumn. For gardeners in USDA Zones 8 through 10, where the plant is perennial, corms can generally remain in the ground. During this time, reduce watering significantly, allowing the soil to dry out. Applying a layer of mulch over the planting area can provide additional protection from colder temperatures.
In colder zones (below USDA Zone 8), Firecracker Lily corms are not frost-hardy and should be lifted before the first hard frost. After the foliage dies back, carefully dig up the corms, clean off any excess soil, and allow them to cure in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for a few days. Once cured, store the corms in a cool, dry, dark place, such as in peat moss or sawdust, to maintain moisture and prevent desiccation. These stored corms can then be replanted in the spring once the danger of frost has passed.
Propagating Firecracker Lilies
The most common and effective method for propagating Firecracker Lilies is through the division of offsets, which are small corms that form around the main bulb. This process is best undertaken during the plant’s dormancy, either when lifting the corms in the fall for winter storage or in early spring before new growth begins. Gently separate these offsets from the parent corm, ensuring each new section has some roots attached.
These newly separated offsets can then be planted following the same guidelines as for mature corms: approximately 2 to 3 inches deep in well-draining soil, and spaced a few inches apart. While less common for home gardeners, Firecracker Lilies can also be propagated from seed. However, growing from seed is a slower process, and it may take several years for seed-grown plants to reach flowering maturity.