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Firecracker Bush

Hamelia patens

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Overview

The Firecracker Bush (Cuphea ignea), thriving in USDA zones 9-11, is a vibrant perennial adored for its narrow, tubular red-orange flowers resembling lit firecrackers. This sun-loving specimen reaches 24 inches in height and spreads up to 35 inches. Its evergreen foliage and continuous blooming add year-round interest. Ideal for borders or containers, Cuphea ignea attracts hummingbirds, requires minimal care, and is drought-tolerant once established, making it an alluring and low-maintenance addition to any garden space.

Sun Full, Half, ShadeWater MediumZones 9–10Climate Mediterranean

Culture

Sun
Full, Half, Shade
Water
Medium
USDA zones
9–10

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Lythraceae
Climate
Mediterranean

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Photos (66)

Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — is a vibrant perennial adored for its narrow
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — thriving in USDA zones 9-11
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — The Firecracker Bush (Cuphea ignea)
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — Its evergreen foliage and continuous blooming add year-round interest
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — Ideal for borders or containers
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — Cuphea ignea attracts hummingbirds
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — This sun-loving specimen reaches 24 inches in height and spreads up to 35 inches
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — tubular red-orange flowers resembling lit firecrackers
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — scientifically named Cuphea ignea
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — and spreading to a width of approximately 3 feet
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — Reaching an average height of 2 to 3 feet
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — making it an alluring and low-maintenance addition to any garden space
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — and is drought-tolerant once established
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — the Firecracker Bush is adept at creating a lush backdrop for its distinctive flowers
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — reminiscent of little firecrackers
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — lance-shaped leaves that measure about 1 to 1.5 inches in length
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — this bush provides a dense
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — exhibit fiery hues of orange and red and are frequently visited by hummingbirds and pollinators
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — adding dynamic life to the garden
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — ensuring prolonged visual interest.<br><br>Adaptable to both full sun and partial shade
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — These blooms are typically about 1 to 2 inches long and persist from early summer through the fall
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — It is also relatively heat tolerant
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — Consider incorporating the Firecracker Bush into your design for a low-maintenance
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — making it an excellent choice for warmer climate zones ranging from USDA Zone 10 to 11

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