About
Dichelostemma ida-maia, the firecracker flower, is a cormous perennial to around 30 cm tall with narrow, upright leaves that die back as it blooms. In early summer, bunches of trumpet-shaped, mainly-red flowers with yellow and green tips are borne at the ends of slender stems � an exotic-looking combination for a sunny, well-drained border.
About the genus
Dichelostemma are cormous perennials from western North America with narrow, grassy foliage and umbels of tubular or narrowly bell-shaped flowers in red, pink, purple or white in late spring and early summer. Ornamental and rewarding bulbs for sunny, well-drained borders.
Growing conditions
SunlightPartial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained
AspectNorth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH5
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden, Rock garden
Native toWestern N America
ToxicityAll parts cause stomach ache if ingested, the foliage may aggravate skin allergies. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moist, fertile, humus-rich soil, preferably neutral or slightly alkaline; site in partial shade although will tolerate sunnier spot if the soil is moist
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division in early spring or after the leaves have died down. Propagate by seed, sowing seeds as soon as ripe or in spring
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to slugs and snails
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free