Dichelostemma ida-maia

Also Known As

Brodiaea coccinea
'Vegetable Firecracker'
Firecracker Brodiaea

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber

size

H: 16"-25"
W: 6"-12"

planting zones

6a-11

More Options

Dichelostemma ida-maia plant details

Dichelostemma ida-maia is a broadleaf deciduous perennial bulb / corm / tuber with green foliage. In summer pink and white flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer, dry when dormant. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Dichelostemma ida-maia

Plant type: perennial bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: asparagaceae
Foliage: deciduous green
Mature size: 6 IN - 12 IN - wide, 16 IN - 25 IN - tall
Flowers: pink and white blooms in summer
Uses: border plant, clumping, cottage garden, cutting garden, rock garden, showy

GROWING CONDITIONS for Dichelostemma ida-maia

USDA Zones: 6a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Clusters of green-tipped, dark red flowers in early summer on 18-24?? long stems brighten any garden. Grassy foliage sprouts in late winter and goes dormant just as late spring flowers are opening. This West Coast native hybrid prefers sun to part shade and dry summers, accepting moisture only when actively growing. Frost hardy in USDA zone 5.

By: Cistus Nursery

Firecracker flower has narrow, grass-like foliage gives rise to 12-24 inch stems sporting intriguing clusters of red, green, and white tubular flowers. Popular with hummingbirds and butterflies. Appreciates reasonable moisture when in growth but keep dry when dormant. Dichelostemma ida-maia is native to southern Oregon and northern California.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

A native to southern Oregon and northern California rocky mountain tops and partially shady areas under oaks and conifers, this Brodiaea has clusters of tubular RED flowers with light green recurving tips and a white petticoat beneath. 24 inch tall stems hold pendant bunches of astounding "firecrackers". Remarkably, the flowers remain fresh often three or four months!

By: Dancing Oaks Nursery

Firecracker Flower. Native to southern Oregon and California, this is a bulb you can't walk by when in bloom. Leafless stems to 20" support clusters of small but vivid tubular flowers colored in streetwalker red rimmed in green. Looks great mingling with Arctostaphylos and especially showy when adorned with hummingbirds. Good drainage is essential and summer dry is required. Perfect here in Port Townsend.

By: Far Reaches Farm

Blooms: spring-summer, orange-red w/ yellow tips/ deciduous grass like foliage/ syn. Brodiaea / Triteleia Zone 5-9. 24", PNW, part shade-sun, moist-dry, well drained

By: Keeping it Green Nursery

A stunning California native wildflower with crimson tubular flowers & green reflexed tips. The green strap-like leaves emerge during the rainy season, & the 16-25” flower spikes follow in late Spring. It is the only Brodiaia that is pollinated by hummingbirds & it is also quite attractive to butterflies. I have found it carefree & easy to grow, & once settled in, it will slowly spread to make a 3' clump. It is naturally found at the edge of woods & in hotter areas it is probably best for lightly shaded areas. It grows in full sun in my coastal garden & has been very happy in its exposed place. My soil is light clay, but it is very tolerant of sand. It is great in containers as long as it is kept dry in the Summer.