Firecracker Plant Dicliptera squarrosa

The Hummingbird plant is a tender herbaceous perennial, though often grown as an annual. It is native to central South America and will bring a vibrant burst of color to your garden. Its vibrant orange/red flowers blossom throughout the summer and into the autumn months. It is drought tolerant and endures humidity, making this an ideal plant for many areas which have such conditions. It typically forms a shrubby mound 18 to 24 inches tall and as wide. Flowers are attractive to hummingbirds, hence the sometimes common name of hummingbird plant. The genus name is from the Greek diklis meaning double-folding and pteron meaning wing in reference to the two wing-like divisions in the capsule. The species name means with parts spreading or recurved at the ends.

The Hummingbird plant is easy to grow in average, medium, well-drained soils in full sun. It tolerates some light shade and drought and is winter hardy to Zones 8-10 and with mulch protection, can tolerate temperatures down to 0 degrees F. It can also be grown in containers or hanging baskets. You can also take cuttings that can be overwintered indoors and planted in the spring. This amazing, showstopper plant attracts not just the human eye but also hummingbirds and butterflies, which only adds more the attraction and beauty of this plant. This firecracker-looking plant will be the fire you will not want to put out but enjoy for many years as a showstopper in your garden.

Diseases, Insect Pests, and Other Plant Problems:

No known diseases or insect pests.