Russelia equisetiformis

Also Known As

Coral Firecracker Fern
Coral Fountain
Firecracker Plant
Red Firecracker Fern

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 2'-6'
W: 24"-48"

planting zones

9a-12

More Options

Russelia equisetiformis plant details

Russelia equisetiformis is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with green foliage. In fall, spring and summer red flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Russelia equisetiformis

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: plantaginaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 24 IN - 48 IN - wide, 2 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in fall, spring and summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Russelia equisetiformis

USDA Zones: 9a - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: seaside / salt
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Red bloom, spring-fall.

By: Far South Wholesale Nursery

Bounces back in Spring if frost damage under 32-degrees. Full Sun to Partial Shade. Coral-Red. Outdoor. part shade.

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

FOUNTAIN OR FIRECRACKER PLANT - A Mexico native producing thin wiry like foliage covered with masses of scarlet tubular flowers spring to fall. Likes full sun to part shade, hardy in zone 9-12. A magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds. Drooping cascading thread like foliage makes it great for spilling over walls or containers and baskets. Very durable, thrives on summer heat and humidity .

By: Accents for Home and Garden

1" deep red tubular blooms are born in large loose clusters throughout summer.Fine, green lax foliage on long arching stems. A favorite of hummingbirds and a tough long lasting perennial. Firecracker fern is an excellent choice for raised beds or containers where the soft arching foliage and flowers can spill over the edges. Firecracker Fern is listed as a Texas A&M Outstanding Coastal Plant (see the external info link below) as it has excellent resistance to soil and wind born salts, though it could use some protection from harsh winds. This durable perennial is evergreen in mild climates but will act as a die-back perennial in the cooler portions of its range. Excellent heat tolerance with some drought tolerance once well-established.