Status in Florida: Cultivated, non-native
•Size at Maturity: Firecracker Fern typically grows as a perennial shrub, reaching heights of about 2 to 4 feet tall with a spread of 2 to 3 feet wide.
•Phenology: Firecracker Fern produces cascading, slender stems that resemble fireworks, adorned with small, tubular, red flowers.
•Life Cycle: Perennial
•Bloom Season: Firecracker Fern blooms sporadically throughout the warm season, with peak bloom occurring in summer and fall.
•Deciduous, Dioecious, Evergreen: Evergreen
•Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
•Soil Texture: Well-drained, fertile soil; Firecracker Fern prefers soil with good drainage.
•Soil pH: Tolerant of a wide range, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0)
•Moisture Requirements: Moderate moisture; Firecracker Fern prefers evenly moist soil but can tolerate brief periods of drought once established.
•Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low tolerance
•Recommended Landscape Uses: Firecracker Fern is commonly used as a landscape ornamental plant in gardens, borders, and containers. Its cascading growth habit makes it suitable for hanging baskets or elevated planters.
•Maintenance Tips: Firecracker Fern requires little maintenance once established. Prune back dead or damaged stems as needed to maintain a tidy appearance.
•Considerations: Firecracker Fern is valued for its long-lasting, colorful flowers and cascading growth habit, which adds texture and visual interest to landscapes. It is relatively low-maintenance and tolerant of heat and humidity.
•Deer and/or Rabbit Resistance: Moderately resistant; deer and rabbits may occasionally browse on Firecracker Fern foliage, but it is not typically preferred by these animals.
•Edible: Firecracker Fern is not typically consumed by humans and is not considered edible.
•Medicinal Uses: Firecracker Fern is not known for significant medicinal uses in humans.
•Toxicity to Pets: Firecracker Fern is generally considered non-toxic to pets, but ingestion may cause mild gastrointestinal upset.