Justicia rizzinii (Firecracker Flower)

Justicia rizzinii (Firecracker Flower) is a bushy evergreen shrub with small, dark green, ovate leaves and nodding clusters of tubular, yellow-tipped red flowers, 1 in. long (2 cm). Resembling firecrackers, the flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and are on display over a long period extending from fall to spring.

Justicia rizzinii (Firecracker Flower) is a bushy evergreen shrub with small, dark green, ovate leaves and nodding clusters of tubular, yellow-tipped red flowers, 1 in. long (2 cm). Resembling firecrackers, the flowers are attractive to hummingbirds and are on display over a long period extending from fall to spring. The lush foliage and distinctive flowers make Firecracker Flowers a natural for a tropical garden. Great for containers, as a houseplant or for close-up plantings near terraces, patios or entryways.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 3-4 ft. tall and wide (90-120 cm).
  • A part shade lover, this plant is best grown in moist, humusy, well-drained soils.
  • Perfect for Mediterranean gardens and containers.
  • Pinch out tips to promote compact plants.
  • Propagate by seed, softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings.
  • Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for glasshouse red spider mite and glasshouse whitefly.
  • Native to Brazil

Requirements

Hardiness 10
– 11

Heat Zones 10
– 11

Climate Zones 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Shrubs
Plant Family Justicia
Exposure Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spread 3'
– 4'
(90cm
– 120cm)
Spacing 36″
– 48″
(90cm
– 120cm)
Water Needs Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Attracts Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden