Skip to content

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 9–10Climate Mediterranean
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — The Firecracker Bush (Cuphea ignea)

Culture

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

Shape & size

Classification

Family
Lythraceae
Climate
Mediterranean

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

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (66)

Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — These blooms are typically about 1 to 2 inches long and persist from early summer through the fall; ensuring prolonged
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — Cuphea ignea thrives in well-draining soil with moderate moisture; its evergreen foliage and continuous blooming add
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — ensuring prolonged visual interest.<br><br>Adaptable to both full sun and partial shade; perennial with red blooms
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — It is also relatively heat tolerant; and spreading to a width of approximately 3 feet
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) — making it an excellent choice for warmer climate zones ranging from USDA Zone 10 to 11; these blooms are typically about 1
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — Consider incorporating the Firecracker Bush into your design for a low-maintenance; red flowers in the garden
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — red flowers in the garden; reaching an average height of 2 to 3 feet
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — The Firecracker Bush (Cuphea ignea); tubular red-orange flowers resembling lit firecrackers, image 59
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — perennial with red blooms; adding dynamic life to the garden
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — is a vibrant perennial adored for its narrow; exhibit fiery hues of orange and red and are frequently visited by, image 61
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — thriving in USDA zones 9-11; scientifically named Cuphea ignea, image 60
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) — tubular red-orange flowers resembling lit firecrackers; consider incorporating the Firecracker Bush into your, image 62
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) — Its evergreen foliage and continuous blooming add year-round interest; making it an alluring and, image 64
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — Ideal for borders or containers; reminiscent of little firecrackers, image 65
Firecracker Bush (Hamelia patens) — Cuphea ignea attracts hummingbirds; making it an excellent choice for warmer climate zones ranging from USDA, image 66

Related plants

False Heather (Cuphea Hyssopifolia) — evergreen shrub with a dense

False Heather

Cuphea Hyssopifolia

Full · Zones 10–10

Candy Corn Plant (Cuphea Micropetala) — is an eye-catching perennial

Candy Corn Plant

Cuphea Micropetala

Full · Zones 9–10

Mexican Cigar Plant (Cuphea Ignea 'Matchless') — is a vibrant perennial with tubular

Mexican Cigar Plant

Cuphea Ignea 'Matchless'

Full · Zones 9–10

Chinese Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) — The Chinese Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia subcostata) is a graceful

Chinese Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia indica

Full · Zones 7–10

Pink Velour Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia Indica 'Pink Velour') — ornamental tree reaching heights of 10-15 feet with a spread of 8-10 feet

Pink Velour Crape Myrtle

Lagerstroemia Indica 'Pink Velour'

Full · Zones 7–10

Frosted Violets™ cuphea (Cuphea procumbens) — Frosted Violets™ cuphea grows 8-16 inches tall and spreads 12-18 inches in a tidy mound

Frosted Violets™ cuphea

Cuphea procumbens

Full