Russelia rotundifolia 'Desert Fire'

Also Known As

Russelia mexicana
Desert Fire Evergreen Firecracker Fern
Mexican Firecracker Fern
Mexican Russelia

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 3'-4'
W: 4'-5'

planting zones

9a-11

More Options

Russelia rotundifolia 'Desert Fire' plant details

Russelia rotundifolia 'Desert Fire' is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with blue and green foliage. In fall 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 heat tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Russelia rotundifolia 'Desert Fire'

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: plantaginaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 4 FT - 5 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in fall and summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Russelia rotundifolia 'Desert Fire'

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: deer, heat
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Clusters of 1" coral red flaring tubular blooms with yellow throats encircle the softly textured fountaining green stems from summer to fall on this heat and sun-loving drought tolerant perennial that attracts Hummingbirds and butterflies. A cold hardy Mexican native that makes this an excellent choice for xeric landscapes and well-draining garden soils. There is a beautiful specimen growing in the gardens of the Alamo in San Antonio, TX. Desert Fire Rusellia is sometimes erroneously sold as Rusellia equisetiformis 'Desert Fire'.