- Firecracker plant
Botanical name: cuphea ignea
Beginner friendly?: yes
Average size at maturity: up to 2 ft in height and in width
Bloom time: spring, summer, fall
Hardy zone: zones 9-12
Flower color: red/white/orange
Foliage color: green
Growth rate: reaches fully mature size in about 2 growing seasons
Pruning instructions: trim to maintain desired shape and size when the plant has finished flowering for the season
Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge
Landscape use: color and texture addition to a flower garden
Light needs: at least 6 hours of sun per day
Special features: attracts hummingbirds
Watering instructions: allow soil to partially dry between watering sessions
Fertilizing instructions : use 10-10-10 in the early spring before the plant begins flowering
Best time to plant: spring or summer
Best type of soil: loam or sand
Companion plants: sage, black-eyed susan, hibiscus
Toxicity level: potentially mildly toxic if ingested
Invasive species: no
