Plant during the recommended period shown in the variety’s specifications. If you cannot plant straight away, store them somewhere cool, dry and well ventilated.
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Dichelostemma ida-maia
Californian firecracker
This flashy plant Dichelostemma ida-maia is also known as the Californian firecracker, and for very good reason! Native to California and with lively red blooms that form an explosion of colour from late spring right through to mid-summer, not only do these have an overall impressive and exotic appearance, but get up-close and you’ll see some fantastic details as well. Each red bloom of Dichelostemma ida-maia is pendulous on a fine stalk so it nods constantly, and at the end of the blooms are contrasting little reflexed lime-green petals for an extra eye-popping bang. Plant Dichelostemma ida-maia's surprisingly hardy bulbs in your borders or pots in autumn and you’re in for an exciting treat indeed.
Dichelostemma ida-maia has fine grassy foliage which makes it a lovely choice for adding colourful highlights among architectural or foliage plants, like ornamental grasses and shrubs. Loving sun and tolerating poor soil, they’re also really useful for growing in narrow or sun-trap borders as well as rock or gravel gardens. As an added bonus, they make fantastic cut flowers too!
Quantity
Plant profile
Plant calendar
Check whether your varieties prefer sun or shade, then choose a sheltered position in well-drained soil or a suitable pot or container.
Remove weeds and loosen compacted soil. Improve heavy ground with organic matter and horticultural grit. For containers, use peat-free multipurpose compost and ensure good drainage.
Plant at the depth recommended for each variety, as their requirements differ. Position shoots or pointed ends upwards. If the correct direction is unclear, plant them on their sides.
Follow the recommended spacing for each variety. Planting in clusters or informal drifts creates a natural display, but avoid placing them directly against one another.
Water after planting if the soil is dry. Keep containers lightly moist but never waterlogged. After flowering, allow foliage to yellow naturally before removing it.
- Botanical name
- Dichelostemma ida-maia
- Flower colour
- Red
- Bulb size
- 5/+
- Established height
- 30-50cm
- Established spread
- 5-10cm
- Growing skill
- Easy to grow
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Half hardy
- Leaf colour
- Green
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Plant spacing
- 100 bulbs per m2
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
- Free draining
- Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Gravel gardens
Exotic gardens
cottage garden - Sunlight
- Full sun
- Toxicity
- No report
- Years to establish
- 1st year
Perfect for pots
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Packed in paper
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