Family: Lamiaceae, a perennial herb commonly cultivated as an annual.
Common Names: Firecracker Red, Gun Red
Morphological Features:
The base of the stem is more woody, and the plant typically grows between 20 to 90 cm tall. The stems are square-shaped (tetragonal), with purple segments. Leaves are opposite, with long petioles, ovate in shape, pointed at the tip, and have serrated edges. The inflorescence is a terminal raceme, with bell-shaped sepals and a lip-shaped corolla that has a long tube extending beyond the calyx.
The flowers are small, tubular, and come in bright red and yellow hues, creating a lively appearance. When in bloom, they resemble a string of red guns, making them visually striking and popular for ornamental use.
Origin: Native to South Africa.
Growth Habits:
This plant thrives in warm, sunny conditions but can also tolerate partial shade. It should be protected from direct, intense sunlight. It prefers loose, fertile, and well-drained soil for optimal growth.
The ideal temperature range for growth is 20–25°C. As a short-day plant, it requires less than 8 hours of light per day to bloom in about 57 days. With 14 hours of daily light, blooming may take up to 82 days.
Available Varieties:
Several red-colored varieties are available, including "A String of Purple," "A String of White," "A String of Red Silk," and "A Short String of Red." These varieties offer different shades and forms, making them versatile for gardeners and landscapers looking to add vibrant color to their spaces.
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