Russelia equisetiformis

( russ - ELL - ee - uh     eck - wiss - set - ih - FOR - miss )

At-A-Glance Information

This species of flowering shrubby perennial is commonly referred to as Coral Fountain, Fountainbush, Coralblow, or Firecracker Plant. They need sun or partial shade and little to regular water to perform well. The tube-shaped flowers will attract hummingbirds to your garden. These plants are native to Mexico, and reach 5 feet tall and just as wide. They have almost leafless, bright green stems that look great spilling over walls, containers, or baskets. Red flowers appear en masse through the spring and summer months, making a great show. Firecracker Plant grows well in zones 13-14, 17, 19-24, H1 and H2. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map. Variety 'St. Elmo's Fire' reaches 6 feet tall and up to 8 feet wide, with a more upright habit than the species.

Caring for and pruning Russelia equisetiformis shrubs

These shrubs do well in full sun to partial shade, though in warmer climates they do appreciate some afternoon shade. Plant in well-draining soil. If your soil is clay soil or particularly heavy it is a good idea to amend with plenty of organic material before planting. Water regularly, especially as the shrub is establishing itself and during periods of flowering. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and reduce waterings in wintertime when the plant is dormant. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to increase soil moisture retention, taking care to not get it too close to the main stems of the plant. Prune lightly as needed to maintain shape and encourage a bushier growth; pruning in late summer or early fall can encourage a rebloom; these shrubs flower on new wood.

Firecracker Plant tolerates drought, wet soil, and salty soil but needs regular fertilizing to perform well. Fertilize with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once in spring and again in the middle of the summertime. It is hardy to about 32 degrees Fahrenheit, but will die back in frost conditions. It will come back quickly afterwards, however.

Propagation

Russelia equisetiformis shrubs are best propagated using stem cuttings. To propagate your shrub, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Russelia equisetiformis by Cutting
  1. Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
  2. In spring, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
  3. Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
  4. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.

Problems and Pests

Although Firecracker Plant is pest and disease resistant for the most part, they might occasionally suffer from the following common garden pests:
  • Aphids
  • Spider Mites
  • Whiteflies
For more information on these issues, including how to eradicate them, consult the following links:
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Gallery

Plant Firecracker Plant with other tropical-looking plants.
The flowers on these shrubs are bright and will attract birds and butterflies to your garden.
Hummingbirds love these plants.

Videos

All about these great plants.
All about Russelia equisetiformis.

Resources

How to Propagate a Firecracker Plant
Russelia Plant: A Comprehensive Guide to Growing and Caring for Firecracker Plant
Wikipedia: Russelia equisetiformis
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 581, Russelia equisetiformis
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