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!