Family: Plantaginaceae

A flowering shrub with a tufted habit. Slender, asparagus-like stems support numerous tubular, red flowers.  The firecracker-like flowers bloom year-round, hence the common name firecracker plant. Native to dry areas of Mexico, the firecracker plant is naturally drought tolerant. Imported to Hawaii in 1851, it has no serious pests and grows quickly. Partly deciduous, the stems photosynthesize when the leaves are gone. To manage the plant, prune dead stems and maintain shape a few times a year. 

The whispy stems naturally fall over, resulting in a showy cascade of scarlet red flowers. Take advantage of the firecracker plants overflowing habit, plant in containers, window boxes, hanging baskets, or over rock walls. It does best with full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is by cuttings; they root with ease.

Plant Uses:

• Container plant
• Lei flower
• Ornamental
• Privacy / screening

Plant Dangers:

• No dangers

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in Florida, Jamaica, and other warm regions
  
• Forms dense thickets on disturbed sites
  
• Tolerates a wide range of soil types (acidic to alkaline, sand to clay)
  
• Widely cultivated and intentionally spread by people

Low Risk Traits:

• No known agricultural or environmental weed status
  
• No spines, thorns, or toxicity
  
• Not shade tolerant
  
• Requires hummingbirds for pollination
  
• Infrequent seed set in cultivation
  
• No evidence of prolific seed production or long-distance dispersal