Firecracker flower (Crossandra infundibuliformis)
The Firecracker flower, Crossandra infundibuliformis, offers constant apricot blooms. A medium-maintenance tropical evergreen for warm zones.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Firecracker flower, scientifically known as Crossandra infundibuliformis, is a highly valued tropical evergreen subshrub prized for its continuous flowering habit. Its primary appeal lies in the terminal racemes featuring vibrant apricot to salmon pink blooms, providing season-long color interest where temperatures are consistently warm. This species thrives as a shade-loving perennial in its native equatorial regions.
As a tropical plant, Crossandra infundibuliformis offers reliable structure and texture in the landscape or indoors. It maintains glossy, dark green foliage year-round, contrasting beautifully with its namesake flowers. Gardeners appreciate its compact size, typically reaching only 1 to 3 feet tall and wide, making it versatile for various settings.
While native ranges include locales like India and Sri Lanka, gardeners in cooler climates should treat Crossandra infundibuliformis as a tender perennial or houseplant. Successful cultivation hinges on mimicking its humid, consistently moist, and moderately shaded environment. Its ease of care makes the Firecracker flower an excellent choice for shaded container arrangements.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Acanthaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Native Range: Tropical Africa, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 1-3 ft
- Spread: 1-2 ft
- Bloom Time: Flowers freely
- Bloom Description: Apricot to salmon pink
- Sun Exposure: Part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
For optimal growth, plant Crossandra infundibuliformis where it receives part shade, though it tolerates bright full shade well. The soil should be light, organically rich, and possess excellent drainage while remaining at a medium moisture level. In regions outside USDA Zones 10-11, this plant must be grown in containers or as a houseplant, as it is only winter hardy in these specified zones.
Care for the Firecracker flower requires attention to ambient conditions, particularly humidity, which must be kept high. Water appropriately to keep the soil medium moist but never soggy—this is crucial for healthy root development. Fertilization should support its free-flowering nature without promoting excessive weak growth.
When cultivated indoors or in containers, Crossandra infundibuliformis responds well to artificial lighting, similar to African violets, offering flexibility in placement. Propagation is straightforward using stem cuttings or seeds, allowing you to easily expand your collection of this excellent tropical accent plant. Provide high humidity year-round for the best performance from your Firecracker flower.
Landscape Uses
The tropical look and continuous bloom cycle make Crossandra infundibuliformis an excellent choice for container gardening, both indoors and on shaded patios. As a container plant, it provides vibrant color accenting entryways or darker corners of a deck where reliable blooms are desired. Its moderate height (1 to 3 ft) allows it to serve as a mid-story element in mixed tropical displays.
Indoors, the Firecracker flower excels as a specimen houseplant, adding lush, dark green foliage and bright flowers to interior spaces. When planting near other moisture-loving tropicals, ensure companion plants share the requirement for medium water and part-shade conditions, such as Calatheas or Ferns. Its structure lends itself well to formal arrangements or informal mixed groupings.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Crossandra infundibuliformis, commonly called firecracker flower, is native to India and Sri Lanka. It is a tropical evergreen subshrub that grows 1-3’ tall, featuring apricot to salmon pink flowers in terminal racemes. The genus name nods to the fringed anthers, derived from Greek words for ‘fringe’ and ‘male’.
Potential Problems
Crossandra infundibuliformis generally exhibits few insect or disease issues, making it a relatively robust tropical choice. When grown indoors, standard care should focus on avoiding both overwatering and low humidity, which can stress the plant. Monitor for common indoor plant troubles and consult resources for problems affecting many houseplants if issues arise.
Tolerances
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Firecracker flower suitable for?
The Crossandra infundibuliformis is winter hardy only in USDA Zones 10 and 11. Outside of this range, it must be grown in containers or indoors.
How large does Firecracker flower grow?
This plant typically reaches a mature height between 1 and 3 feet tall, with a spread ranging from 1 to 2 feet wide, maintaining a compact, bushy habit.
What sun exposure does Crossandra infundibuliformis need?
It performs best in conditions described as part shade, although it can tolerate brighter, fully shaded locations successfully.
When does Crossandra infundibuliformis bloom?
The Crossandra infundibuliformis blooms freely throughout the year (everblooming), offering its signature apricot to salmon pink flowers continuously in ideal conditions.
Conclusion
The Firecracker flower is a standout tropical accent, valued for its non-stop flowering display of rich, warm colors backed by glossy, dark foliage. Whether used as a reliable houseplant or a patio feature, Crossandra infundibuliformis brings continuous beauty to shaded areas. Before planting, confirm your location falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 10-11 or plan to provide adequate indoor humidity and light.
Companion Planting
When integrating the Firecracker flower into shaded garden beds or large container groupings, select companions that share its need for consistent moisture and protection from intense afternoon sun. Plants like Impatiens (New Guinea varieties, if humidity permits), shade-loving Begonias, or variegated sweet potato vine make excellent ground covers or spillers around the taller Crossandra infundibuliformis. These choices complement its tropical aesthetic without competing aggressively for soil nutrients.
Propagation Tips
Propagating Crossandra infundibuliformis is a rewarding task for home gardeners, extending your supply of this lovely flowering plant. The most effective method involves taking stem cuttings from healthy, actively growing parent plants, particularly those showing abundant blooms. Cuttings should be placed in a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light to encourage rapid root development. Using rooting hormone can accelerate the process, leading to new Firecracker flower plants ready to establish themselves.
