Also known as Cupid’s Paintbrush · Fiery Tasselflower · Red Thistle
Cupid's-Paintbrush (Emilia coccinea) is a vibrant annual with scarlet-red, daisy-like flowers. It's a fast-growing plant, perfect for adding a splash of intense color to
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun to partial shade.
75% intensity
Prefers at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering.
Keep moist but not soggy.
50% intensity
Allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings.
Well-drained
50% intensity
Warm temperatures.
75% intensity
Prefers temperatures between 18-24°C. Protect from frost.
Outdoor
50% intensity
Moderate feeder during growing season.
50% intensity
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|
None
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water Cupid's-Paintbrush regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings, especially during warmer months.
Reduce watering slightly in winter, but do not let the soil become completely dry. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
Deadhead spent flowers regularly to encourage more blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Trim back any leggy or overgrown stems to promote bushier growth.
Light pruning can be done any time of year, but heavier pruning is best performed in early spring before new growth begins. Remove any yellow or dead leaves promptly.
Cupid's-Paintbrush is easily propagated from seeds sown in spring or early summer. Sow seeds thinly on the surface of a well-draining seed-starting mix and lightly cover them. Keep the soil moist and warm.
Alternatively, cuttings can be taken from healthy stems in late spring or early summer and rooted in moist soil or water.
Repot young plants annually or when they become root-bound, typically in spring. Choose a pot that is one size larger than the current one, ensuring it has adequate drainage holes.
Use a well-draining potting mix, such as a blend of potting soil, perlite, and sand. Handle the roots gently during repotting to minimize stress.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cupid's-Paintbrush (Emilia coccinea)
Where Cupid's-Paintbrush (Emilia coccinea) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Asterales |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Genus | Emilia |
| Species | Emilia coccinea |
Similar in genus Emilia
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
