Botanical profile

Lycium barbarum 'Firecracker'

Latin name
Lycium barbarum 'Firecracker'
Common name
Goji 'Firecracker'
Type
Fruit shrub
Family
Nightshades

Lycium barbarum 'Firecracker', known as 'Firecracker' goji, is a deciduous fruiting shrub appreciated for its production of nutritious berries and its naturally flexible and slightly arched silhouette. This variety forms a dense bush with sometimes thorny branches bearing narrow, elegant grayish-green foliage. During summer, small purple flowers appear in the leaf axils, attracting pollinators. These are followed by very decorative and edible elongated bright red berries, known for their richness in antioxidants and vitamins. The fruits have a slightly sweet and tart flavor and are often consumed fresh, dried, or incorporated into various culinary preparations. Very hardy and tolerant, this shrub adapts well to poor soils and dry conditions, while preferring full sun locations.

Care guide

Growing conditions

Light, soil, water and hardiness

Hardiness zone
Zone 4
Exposure
Sun
Watering
Moderate, tolerates drought well once established
Fertilization
Light fertilization in spring if necessary
Soil type
Well-drained soil, tolerates poor soil
Minimum temperature
-34°C
Plant appearance

Blooming, foliage and shape

Blooming period
Summer
Flower color
Purple
Fruiting
Elongated, bright red berries that are edible and rich in antioxidants
Foliage color
Green
Foliage type
Obsolete
Shape
Dense and round
Garden structure

Size and growth

Height
2 m (6 ft)
Width
2 m (6 ft)
Growth rate
Fast
Vegetable garden and yield

Companion planting, spacing and harvest

Fruit tree type
Goji
Not recommended for pets
Not recommended for pets

Pets

Pollinators
Attracts or supports pollinating insects

Pollinators

Butterflies
Plants that attract butterflies

Butterflies

The availability of our plants varies depending on arrivals, seasons, nursery production and supplier availability. Some varieties may be offered for a limited time only, depending on their natural cycle or current stock. These plant profiles are designed to guide and inspire you when choosing plants for the garden, landscaping projects, containers or long-lasting outdoor arrangements.