Firecracker Plant features cascading stems with scarlet tubular flowers, providing color from spring to fall. It's versatile for trellises, borders, or containers and is semi-evergreen. During winter, it can be a houseplant but should be moved outside for the best blooming and to attract pollinators in the summer.
Firecracker Plant Care
Russelia Equisetiformi
What is the plant
The Firecracker Plant, Russelia equisetiformis, is a vibrant addition to gardens, with arching stems that reach 3-6 feet (90-180 cm) tall. Its red, firecracker-shaped tubular flowers bloom densely, attracting hummingbirds and pollinators throughout late spring to autumn, which are its main identification features. This semi-evergreen subshrub forms a compact mound covered in tiny red flowers. Native to Mexico, it thrives in tropical gardens but requires maintenance due to its cascading form.
Humidity
Normal
Lighting
Full Sun
Temperature
20°C - 30°C
Hardiness zone
9 - 11
Difficulty
Easy
Hibernation
Cold Period
How to Care for the Plant
Container
These bushes can thrive in containers, such as pots and hanging gardens. They can survive winter as long as temperatures stay above 41°F (5°C), so they need to be brought indoors during winter. These plants do particularly well in decorative containers but require increased watering during mid-summer.
Fun fact
The plant is known for its prolonged, vibrant displays of red or orange tubular flowers resembling fireworks. It blooms almost year-round in warm climates. Additionally, these flowers are irresistible to hummingbirds, thanks to their nectar-rich blossoms, making them a valuable addition to your garden for both their colorful charm and their support of local wildlife.
Popularity
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