Skip to content
Log inStart trial

Firecracker Bush

Hamelia patens

Design with this plant

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 9–10Type PerennialClimate Mediterranean
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — ensuring prolonged visual interest.<br><br>Adaptable to both full sun and partial shade

Culture

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

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Perennial
Family
Lythraceae
Climate
Mediterranean

See full data, regional cultivation notes, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (86)

Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — and is drought-tolerant once established; thriving in USDA zones 9-11
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — is a vibrant perennial adored for its narrow; exhibit fiery hues of orange and red and are frequently visited by
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — exhibit fiery hues of orange and red and are frequently visited by hummingbirds and pollinators
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — Its evergreen foliage and continuous blooming add year-round interest
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — red flowers in the garden
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — The Firecracker Bush (Cuphea ignea); tubular red-orange flowers resembling lit firecrackers
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — perennial for full or half or shade; tropical feel that dazzles with long-lasting color and animated garden activity
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — Ideal for borders or containers; reminiscent of little firecrackers
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — the Firecracker Bush is adept at creating a lush backdrop for its distinctive flowers
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — Cuphea ignea attracts hummingbirds
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — tropical feel that dazzles with long-lasting color and animated garden activity; this sun-loving specimen reaches 24 inches
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — scientifically named Cuphea ignea
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — thriving in USDA zones 9-11; scientifically named Cuphea ignea
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — Ideal for borders or containers
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — thriving in USDA zones 9-11
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — This sun-loving specimen reaches 24 inches in height and spreads up to 35 inches; is a vibrant perennial adored, image 63
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — perennial for full or half or shade
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — lance-shaped leaves that measure about 1 to 1.5 inches in length, image 44
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — is a vibrant perennial adored for its narrow
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — This sun-loving specimen reaches 24 inches in height and spreads up to 35 inches; is a vibrant perennial adored for its
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — Its evergreen foliage and continuous blooming add year-round interest; making it an alluring and low-maintenance addition
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — Reaching an average height of 2 to 3 feet
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — Consider incorporating the Firecracker Bush into your design for a low-maintenance
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — exhibit fiery hues of orange and red and are frequently visited by hummingbirds and pollinators; ideal for borders or
Photographs by 9 contributors

Related plants

Acoma Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia Indica 'Acoma') — Drought and mildew resistant, it's an ideal choice for accent planting in USDA zones 6-9

Tree

Acoma Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia Indica 'Acoma'

FullUSDA 6–9
Bat Face Cuphea (Cuphea Llavea) — complete with purple "ears" and red "faces." Native to Mexico

Shrub

Bat Face Cuphea

Cuphea Llavea

FullUSDA 9–10
Candy Corn Plant (Cuphea Micropetala) — reminiscent of the festive kernels; thus contributing to the ecological health of the garden.<br><br>To ensure optimal

Shrub

Candy Corn Plant

Cuphea Micropetala

FullUSDA 9–10
Catawba Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia Indica 'Catawba') — and provide winter protection in the cooler end of this range

Shrub

Catawba Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia Indica 'Catawba'

FullUSDA 7–10
Chinese Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) — and use it as a focal point or to line pathways, image 50

Tree

Chinese Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica

FullUSDA 7–10
Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia Indica) — and they thrive in well-draining soil with a pH that is slightly acidic to neutral; exfoliating bark and, image 138

Shrub

Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia Indica

FullUSDA 7–10