Firecracker flower (crossandra) Crossandra infundibuliformis
Firecracker flower (crossandra) (Crossandra infundibuliformis) is an evergreen perennial flowering plant in the Acanthaceae family, native to Southern India and Sri Lanka. It grows 30–90 cm (12–35 in) tall and 30–60 cm (12–24 in) wide, wants part sun to part shade and moderate water, and is hardy to about 10 °C (50 °F). Space plants about 45 cm (18 in) apart.
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Firecracker flower (crossandra) at a glance
| Type | Perennial flowering plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Acanthaceae |
| Mature height | 30–90 cm (12–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 30–60 cm (12–24 in) |
| Spacing | 45 cm (18 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Part sun to part shade, at least 4 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About 10 °C (50 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 12) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | about 13–21 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Southern India and Sri Lanka |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇹🇭 Thailand |
Is Firecracker flower (crossandra) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Not reported as toxic to people; effects on cats and dogs are not documented.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Firecracker flower (crossandra)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like part sun to part shade and moderate water.
Questions about Firecracker flower (crossandra)
- How far apart should I plant Firecracker flower (crossandra)?
- About 45 cm (18 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 30–60 cm (12–24 in).
- Does Firecracker flower (crossandra) need full sun?
- Part sun to part shade: at least 4 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Firecracker flower (crossandra) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Firecracker flower (crossandra)?
- It tolerates about 10 °C (50 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 12.
- When does Firecracker flower (crossandra) flower?
- About 13–21 weeks after planting, for 17–34 weeks.
- Is Firecracker flower (crossandra) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Not reported as toxic to people; effects on cats and dogs are not documented.
- What grows well with Firecracker flower (crossandra)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Firecracker flower (crossandra). Group it with plants that like the same sun (part sun to part shade) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- India Biodiversity Portal (species pages), India Biodiversity Portal
Notes and assumptions
- Flowers are strung into garlands for the hair in South India.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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