“Firecracker plant” is a common name for several species known for their vibrant, tubular flowers, which often resemble bursting firecrackers. While the name applies broadly, it most frequently refers to Russelia equisetiformis, admired for its profuse flowering.
The Classic Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis)
Russelia equisetiformis, also called the coral plant or fountain plant, is known for its graceful, weeping habit. This tropical subshrub produces slender, rush-like stems that cascade downwards, creating a fountain-like display. Its visual impact comes primarily from its flowers.
The plant features a profusion of bright red to coral-red tubular flowers, about 1.25 inches long. These blooms appear in drooping clusters at branch tips. In warm climates (USDA Zones 9-11), it can bloom almost continuously.
This species is versatile, used cascading over walls, in hanging baskets, or as ground cover. Its arching stems also suit containers, spilling over the edges. It thrives in full sun but tolerates partial shade, preferring well-drained soil. Once established, it is drought tolerant.
Other Plants Known as “Firecracker Plants”
Cigar Plant (Cuphea ignea)
The Cigar Plant (Cuphea ignea) is a bushy, densely branched sub-shrub native to Mexico and the West Indies. It grows 1.5 to 2.5 feet tall and wide. Its distinctive flowers are tubular, bright red-orange, tipped with a thin white rim and two small purple-black petals, resembling a lit cigar.
These blooms appear from late spring until the first frost. Cuphea ignea is popular for containers and bedding due to its compact form. It is winter hardy in USDA Zones 10 to 12, but often grown as an annual in cooler regions.
Firecracker Flower (Crossandra infundibuliformis)
Crossandra infundibuliformis, also known as the Firecracker Flower, is an erect, evergreen subshrub from southern India and Sri Lanka. This plant grows 1 to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide. It features glossy, wavy-margined leaves and produces fan-shaped flowers in dense, four-sided spikes.
The flowers come in shades of orange, salmon, apricot, yellow, or red. Blooms emerge continuously from the base of spikes. Popular outdoors in tropical climates (USDA Zones 9-11), it is also grown as a houseplant in cooler regions, needing a minimum 50°F. Its common name comes from mature seed pods that burst open with a popping sound, scattering seeds.
California Firecracker (Dichelostemma ida-maia)
The California Firecracker (Dichelostemma ida-maia) is a bulbous perennial native to California and southern Oregon. Its narrow, grass-like leaves emerge first, dying back as flowers bloom. The plant produces tall, slender stems, reaching 1 to 3 feet tall, bearing unique pendulous flowers.
These striking blooms are tubular, crimson-red with green tips and white fringes, clustered in umbels. Blooming from late spring to early summer, it is drought-tolerant once established. It thrives in well-drained soil and full sun, hardy in USDA Zones 5 to 9, but requires a dry dormant period after flowering.
Brazilian Firecracker (Manettia luteorosea)
Manettia luteorosea, known as the Brazilian Firecracker, is a vining perennial herbaceous climber. This plant can extend up to 13 feet, suitable for vertical displays. It features slender, four-angled stems and produces small, tubular flowers.
The blooms are predominantly red with short, recurved yellow tips. These flowers emerge individually from leaf axils. It is an ornamental plant used on trellises or in hanging baskets in warm climates, preferring full sun to semi-shade and moderate watering.
Choosing the Right Firecracker Plant for Your Garden
Selecting the appropriate firecracker plant involves considering garden conditions and desired aesthetic. Climate and hardiness are factors, as some suit tropical or indoor environments, while others tolerate cooler temperatures. For instance, Russelia equisetiformis and Cuphea ignea prefer warmer zones, whereas Dichelostemma ida-maia is more cold-hardy.
The plant’s growth habit dictates ideal placement and required space. Options range from the cascading Russelia equisetiformis for hanging baskets or walls to the bushy Cuphea ignea for borders. Manettia luteorosea offers a vining option for trellises, while Dichelostemma ida-maia is a bulbous perennial for dry gardens. Most prefer full sun for abundant blooms, though some tolerate partial shade. Understanding these differences ensures a suitable match for your garden.