Crossandras add a splash of bright color to any spot in the landscape that needs a little sprucing up. Also called firecracker flower, these shrubby plants have spikes of overlapping flowers atop glossy, dark green leaves. Crossandras are a favorite of pollinators and can be added to a butterfly garden to attract insects such as butterflies, bees, and dragonflies. This show of color is also a perfect selection as a thriller in a container garden.
Plant Crossandras in an area that gets about 4 to 6 hours of full sun during the day. Protect the plant from the grueling heat of the hot summer months. Firecracker flower prefers fertile organic soil that is well-drained. Avoid planting in wet areas since they do not like having wet feet. Water daily when planted in the landscape until established. Water thoroughly, but do not soak. After established, water as needed, especially during the hot summer. If planted in containers, water consistently when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This lovely plant can also be enjoyed as an indoor plant as long as it has plenty of bright light and warmth. In zones 9 and above, Corrandras are perennials. In zones 8 and below, they are regarded as an annual or use as a lovely container plant.
Note: These plants are grown for decorative purposes and are not intended for human or animal consumption
FAST FACTS
Outstanding Features: Compact, shrubby plants with overlapping flowers
Common Name
Crossandra, Firecracker flower
Bloom Colors
Orange or salmon
Water
Water daily until established, then as needed.
Zone
9 and above
Fertilizer
Use a fertilizer for blooming plants throughout the growing season
Scientific Name
Crossandra infundibuliformis
Light
Full sun for about 4-6 hours a day
Size
2 feet tall and about as wide
Overwintering
In zones 8 and lower, use as a container plant or as an annual in the landscape
Companion Plants
Podocarpus, mandevilla, bottlebrush tree