Large Firecracker Plant | Red Orange Firecracker Blooms

Large Firecracker Plant

1 Gallon

$19.90

$19.90 $0.00

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Large Firecracker Plant

Cuphea 'Vermillionaire'

A non-stop, heat-tolerant bloomer with vibrant red-orange firecracker flowers that hummingbirds adore.

$19.90

$19.90 $0.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

Large Firecracker Plant is a stunning, award-winning perennial prized for its non-stop display of vibrant, red-orange flowers and exceptional garden performance. A hybrid from the renowned 'Vermillionaire' series, this compact, upright to mounding shrub is covered all summer long with masses of small, tubular, firecracker-like blooms in a rich, vermilion red with a yellow tip . The profuse flowers are a magnet for hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, bringing life to the garden from late spring until the first frost. With its glossy, dark green, lance-shaped foliage and heat-tolerant nature, it is an outstanding, low-maintenance choice for adding a bold, pollinator-friendly pop of color to sunny borders, containers, and mass plantings.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Glossy, dark green, lance-shaped, pointed leaves; abundant, small (1 inch), tubular, firecracker-shaped flowers in rich red-orange with yellow tips; blooms continuously from late spring until frost .
Mature Height: 18-28 in
Mature Spread: 18-28 in
Growth Rate: Fast
Hardiness Zones: USDA 8-11 (perennial); grown as annual in cooler zones
Light Requirement: Full sun (best flowering) to partial shade
Core Benefits: Non-stop red-orange blooms, exceptional hummingbird magnet, heat and humidity tolerant, self-cleaning, low maintenance.
Best Uses: Containers, hanging baskets, mixed borders, mass plantings, pollinator gardens, foundation plantings, annual beds.

Q: Is Vermillionaire Firecracker Plant a perennial or an annual?
A: It is a tender perennial, reliably hardy in USDA zones 8-11 . In cooler zones (USDA 7 and below), it is grown as a spectacular, long-blooming annual for the spring-to-fall season. It will not survive freezing winter temperatures.

Q: How much sun does it need for the best flower display?
A: For the most abundant and vibrant blooms, plant 'Vermillionaire' in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily). It will tolerate partial shade, but flowering will be somewhat reduced.

Q: Does it need deadheading?
A: No, it is self-cleaning. The spent flowers drop off naturally, so no deadheading is required to keep the plant blooming and looking tidy all season long . This makes it a very low-maintenance choice.

Q: How much water does it need?
A: Water regularly during its first year to establish a deep root system. Once established, it has moderate drought tolerance but performs best with consistent moisture, especially in containers. Allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings.

Q: Can it be grown in a container?
A: Yes, it is an excellent choice for containers and hanging baskets . Its compact, mounding habit and long bloom time make it a perfect "filler" or "thriller" in container combinations. Use a pot with good drainage and a well-draining potting mix. Container plants will need more frequent watering.

Q: Does it attract hummingbirds?
A: Absolutely. The tubular, red-orange flowers are specifically adapted to attract hummingbirds, which will visit the plant constantly throughout the blooming season . It is one of the best annuals for bringing hummingbirds to your garden.