Chilean Firecracker Plant Plant Care

Chilean Firecracker Plant (Ourisia coccinea) belongs to the Plantaginaceae family within the Ourisia genus. Chilean Firecracker Plant is native to mountainous habitats of the Andes of southern Chile and Argentina.

Chilean Firecracker Plant displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Chilean Firecracker Plant produces small, tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Chilean Firecracker Plant every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Chilean Firecracker Plant thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–1,000 lux. Avoid placing Chilean Firecracker Plant in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Ourisia coccinea tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Chilean Firecracker Plant prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Chilean Firecracker Plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Chilean Firecracker Plant every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Chilean Firecracker Plant is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Chilean Firecracker Plant can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Chilean Firecracker Plant while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Chilean Firecracker Plant is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Chilean Firecracker Plant can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tufted foxglove plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Chilean Firecracker Plant is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Chilean Firecracker Plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Chilean Firecracker Plant is native to mountainous habitats of the Andes of southern Chile and Argentina. In cooler regions, grow Chilean Firecracker Plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.