Photo of Russelia equisetiformis [coral pink] flower by Almost Eden

Photo by Almost Eden

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Russelia equisetiformis [coral pink]

Also Known As

  • Russelia equisetiformis 'Coral'
  • Russelia juncea 'Coral'
  • Coral Fountain Plant
  • Firecracker Fern

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 2'-4'
  • W: 3'-5'

planting zones

  • 8b-11

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Russelia equisetiformis [coral pink] plant details

Russelia equisetiformis [coral pink] is a broadleaf semi-evergreen perennial with green foliage. In fall, spring and summer coral flowers emerge. Attracts beneficial insects and hummingbirds. Grows well with sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Russelia equisetiformis [coral pink]

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: plantaginaceae
Foliage: semi-evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT - 5 FT - wide, 2 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: coral blooms in fall, spring and summer
Uses: long-blooming, rock garden, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Russelia equisetiformis [coral pink]

USDA Zones: 8b - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: heat and humidity
Soil needs: average, gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The Coral Firecracker Fern produces loads of 1" coral-pink tubular flowers that are born in large loose clusters throughout the warmer months of the year or nearly year round where winters are mild. Excellent for Hummingbirds! This is a durable and long-lived, clump forming perennial that requires little additional care once well-established. The Firecracker Fern has excellent heat and sun tolerance as well as moderate drought resistance once well-established. It is even listed as being suitable for xeriscaping. Firecracker Fern is listed as a Texas A&M Outstanding Coastal Plant (see the "More info from Universities...") as it has excellent resistance to soil and wind born salts, though it could use some protection from harsh, drying winds.

Gardening facts about Russelia equisetiformis [coral pink] plant

How to Grow Russelia equisetiformis [coral pink]

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • humidity tolerant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • coral
  • Wildlife

    • beneficial insects
    • hummingbirds
  • Flower Season

    • fall
    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • semi-evergreen

See other plant types of Russelia for your garden

aka Coral Firecracker Fern, Coral Fountain, Firecracker Plant, Red Firecracker Fern

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

9a-12

Size

Height: 2'-6'

Width: 24"-48"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Russelia equisetiformis flower by Almost Eden
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aka Russelia mexicana, Desert Fire Evergreen Firecracker Fern, Mexican Firecracker Fern, Mexican Russelia

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 4'-5'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Russelia rotundifolia 'Desert Fire' flower by Almost Eden
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aka Russelia equisetiformis lutea, Yellow Firecracker Fern

Plant Type

Fern

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 3'-5'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • regular
Photo of Russelia equisetiformis [yellow form] flower by Almost Eden
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aka Leafy Coral Blow, Red Firecracker Plant, Red Rocket

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8b-11

Size

Height: 36"-48"

Width: 24"-36"

  • sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Russelia sarmentosa flower by Almost Eden
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aka Round-Leaf Red Firecracker Russelia

Plant Type

Perennial

Zones

8b-11

Size

Height: 2'

Width: 4'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • low - drought tolerant
Photo of Russelia rotundifolia flower by Far South Wholesale Nursery
View Plant

More Options

+1 more Russelia
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