Uruguan Firecracker or Kings Crown or Hummingbird Plant
Family: Acanthaceae (ah-kanth-AY-see- ee)
Genus : Diclipetra (dye-CLIP-ter-uh)
species: suberecta (sub-er-EK-tuh)
Synonyms: Justicia suberecta or Jacobinia suberecta
Uruguan Firecracker
April 2010 Plant Study Subject
Description:
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies, birds, and of course…hummingbirds. This perennial in our area, called by many names, can also be used in many ways. It can be used in a pot on a sunny patio with support, or hung from a basket where it will spill down over the pot. It can also be used as a ground cover or in a rock garden. It may die back in very cold weather, but should revive well. Kings Crown is a wonderful plant in a mixed flower border with its gray foliage and profusion of orange tubular blooms.
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 8b: to (15 °F) – USDA Zone 10a: above (30 °F)
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Bloom Color:
Bright Reddish Orange
Bloom Time:
July-September
Foliage:
Silvery gray ovate with a velvety texture
Height: 18”- 24” tall and equal spread.
Other details:
Average water needs; Will stand some drought, but looks wilted. It may be attractive to white flies. Its native range is Uruguay.
Propagation: By cuttings