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Firecracker

​​Firecracker

Russelia equisetiformis

• Common Name: Firecracker (other common names: Fountainbush, Coral Plant, Coral Blow)
  
• Scientific Name: Russelia equisetiformis
  
• Family Name: Scrophulariaceae
  
• Origin: Mexico
  
• Height: 3’-5’
  
• Width: 6’-12’
  
• Growth: Moderate, aggressively spreading plant.             
  
• Zone: 9B - 11
  
• Light Needs: Full sun for best flowering and the fullest growth.
  
• Salt Tolerance: Medium
  
• Soil/PH/Texture: Tolerant of different types of soils as long as they are well-drained, sand, loam, and clay. It prefers mildly acidic- mildly alkaline (pH 6.1 – 7.8.
  
• Soil Moisture: Moderate/average, needs well-drained soil.
  
• Drought Tolerance: High drought and heat tolerance.
  
• Pests/Diseases: Long-term health usually not affected by pests but is occasionally bothered by chewing insects, nematodes, and mites.
  
• Growing Conditions: Easy to grow.
  
• Characteristics: This deciduous evergreen has rare, asparagus-like, green leaves with a blade length of 2”-4” that are opposite/subopposite, dentate margins, and ovate in leaf shape. Its flowers of 1” length are red – pale yellow, look like little firecrackers and appear year-round in warm climates.
  
• Propagation: Division, layers and tip or stem cuttings. Remember to deadhead if you do not want automatic seedlings for the next season.
  
• Wildlife: Attracts bees, hummingbirds and butterflies.
  
• Facts: Earned the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticulture Society in 1993.
  
• Designer Considerations: Specimen, foundation, border, mass plantings, cascading down a wall, accent, hedge, tall ground cover, hanging basket with drooping branches, or container plant (3 gal. or larger with excellent drainage) for patio. Also perfect for xeriscaping.​​​