Russelia Red / Fire Cracker (plant clump)

The Russelia Red, also known as the Firecracker Plant or Coral Fountain, is a tropical shrub loved for its cascading form and bright, tubular red flowers. It’s a great choice for adding vibrant color to gardens and attracting pollinators like hummingbirds and butterflies.

Botanical Information

• Scientific Name: Russelia equisetiformis
• Family: Plantaginaceae
• Common Names: Firecracker Plant, Coral Fountain, Fountain Plant, Coral Plant
• Native Range: Originally from Mexico but widely cultivated in warm regions worldwide

Appearance

• Flowers: Showy, tubular, bright red flowers that resemble small firecrackers and bloom year-round in warm climates.
• Leaves: Fine, needle-like green leaves; some varieties have sparse leaves, giving them a “rush-like” appearance.
• Growth Habit: It’s a bushy, arching shrub that reaches 3-4 feet in height and spreads up to 5-6 feet, making it ideal for cascading over walls or growing in hanging baskets.

Growing and Care Requirements

1. Sunlight

• Requirement: Full sun to partial shade.
• Optimal Placement: While it can tolerate some shade, full sun encourages the most vibrant flowering.

2. Watering

• Frequency: Water regularly, especially in the initial growing period. Once established, it is drought-tolerant but still appreciates occasional deep watering in dry periods.
• Overwatering: Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot; ensure the soil has dried slightly between watering.

3. Soil

• Type: Prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil.
• pH: Tolerates a range of soil pH but grows best in slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).
• Amendments: Adding compost or organic matter to sandy soils improves its nutrient-holding capacity and drainage.

4. Fertilizing

• Frequency: Once every 1-2 months during the growing season (spring through fall).
• Type: Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer or a bloom-boosting fertilizer with a higher phosphorus content to promote flowering.

5. Pruning

• When to Prune: Prune lightly after flowering or at the end of winter to shape the plant and encourage fuller growth.
• Tips: Cut back any dead or damaged stems to maintain a tidy appearance.

6. Pest and Disease Management

• Pests: Generally pest-resistant, though spider mites and aphids can occasionally appear. Neem oil or insecticidal soap will help manage these pests.
• Diseases: Root rot can be an issue if soil drainage is poor; ensure it’s in well-drained soil.

7. Temperature and Humidity

• Ideal Temperature: Thrives in warm climates and is frost-sensitive. In cooler zones, grow it in containers to bring indoors during cold months.
• Humidity: Tolerates a range of humidity but appreciates moderate to high humidity.

8. Propagation

• Method: Easily propagated from cuttings.
• When to Propagate: Take cuttings in spring or early summer and place them in a moist rooting medium until they establish roots.

The Russelia Red’s fountain-like habit and profusion of bright red flowers make it a popular choice for gardens, borders, or hanging baskets, and its low-maintenance nature makes it a favorite among gardeners!