Find a plant:

OR Browse All Plants


{name}

Emilia coccinea (Tassel flower, Flora's paintbrush)

Emilia coccinea Photo/Illustration: Jennifer Benner



Be the first to rate this plant

Botanical Name: Emilia coccinea em-EE-lee-ah kok-SIN-ee-ah Common Name: Tassel flower, Flora's paintbrush Synonyms: E. javanica, E. flammea, Cacalia coccinea, C. sagittata Genus: Emilia
A captivating little plant for the front of the border, tassel flower produces small, scarlet-orange pompons which, when viewed from a distance, seem like they’re floating in air. The flowers cluster at the top of wiry stems that rise from a basal rosette of blue-green leaves. Plants occasionally self-sow when sited in a good location. With its small habit, tassel flower lends itself well to container gardens and fresh-cut flower arrangements, adding an element of whimsy. Its delicate and airy nature looks best with bold-leaved or showy plants in the background, creating a see-through effect. To magnify their magic, mass several plants together.
 Noteworthy characteristics: These annuals from the tropics can withstand high heat and humidity. The flowers have a long-lasting, airy presence, both in a border and when cut or dried. Plants will self-sow in disturbed soil. 
 Care: Grow in well-drained soil in full sun.
 Propagation: Sow seed in mid-spring, in situ.
 Problems: Infrequent.
Height 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Spread 1 ft. to 3 ft.
Growth Pace Fast Grower
Light Full Sun to Part Shade
Moisture Medium Moisture
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Self Seeds; Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Summer
Flower Color Orange/ Salmon Flower; Red Flower
Uses Beds and Borders, Dried Flower, Naturalizing
Style Cottage Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest
Type Annuals

Plants you might also like

Tropaeolum majus 'Mahogany Jewel' Tropaeolum majus 'Mahogany Jewel'
(Indian cress, Nasturtium) Be the first to rate this plant

This old-fashioned cultivar of the species has a mounding habit and grows 12-18 inches tall and wide. In summer and fall, it bears mahogany red, single to semi-double flowers. The rounded leaves and spurred, five-petaled flowers are edible.
Tropaeolum majus 'Whirlybird Mix' Tropaeolum majus 'Whirlybird Mix'
(Indian cress, Nasturtium) Be the first to rate this plant

This old-fashioned cultivar of the species has a mounding habit and grows up to 18 inches tall and a foot wide. From summer to frost, it bears blossoms in shades of yellow, red, and orange which are held clear above the foliage.
Tropaeolum majus 'Jewel of Africa' Tropaeolum majus 'Jewel of Africa'
(Indian cress, Nasturtium) (2 user reviews)

This climbing, old-fashioned cultivar grows to 8 feet tall. In summer and fall, it bears flowers of maroon, yellow, cream, and orange, and in-between shades of peach, apricot, salmon, and scarlet. The leaves are marbled with white variegation. The leaves and flowers are edible.
Browallia americana Browallia americana
Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This plant produces distinct, 2-inch blossoms primarily in rich blue (but also in shades of purple and white), with dark eyes smudged white. It is suitable for sun and partial shade.
Centaurea cyanus Centaurea cyanus
(Bachelor's buttons, Bluebottle, Cornflower) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Bachelor's buttons bear charming and prolific flowers in hues of blue, pink, lavender, white, and maroon. Those with a true blue color are especially welcome in the garden as that color is rare in nature. Each disc-shaped flower is about 1.5 inches across, with ragged petals radiating out from the center.