Coral Fountain: A Hummingbird-Magnet Shrub for Water-Wise Gardens

With its cascading, fountain-like form and coral-red tubular flowers that bloom from spring through fall, coral fountain (Russelia equisetiformis) adds movement and color to drought-tolerant landscapes. Native to Mexico, this shrubby perennial thrives in the dry climates of California, Texas, and the Southwest, where limited rainfall keeps its growth in check. In humid, tropical regions like Florida, however, it can become invasive, so exercise caution when planting there.

Quick Facts

• Botanical name: Russelia equisetiformis
• Common names: Coral fountain, firecracker plant, coral plant
• Origin: Mexico
• Hardiness: USDA zone 8 (hardy to 15 °F)
• Water: Drought tolerant once established; best with weekly summer watering, every 10 days in spring/fall, twice monthly in winter
• Light: Full sun to partial shade; avoid hot reflected sun
• Mature size: 3–4 feet tall, 4–5 feet wide
• Benefits: Attracts hummingbirds; drought tolerant
• Seasonal interest: Blooms spring through fall; winter flowers in frost-free areas
• When to plant: Spring from transplants

Caution: Avoid planting in hot, humid climates (e.g., Florida, Southeast) where it may become invasive.

Distinguishing Traits

The plant's common name comes from its feathery, leafless green stems that arch and cascade like a flowing fountain. Any leaves that appear are tiny and scale-like. Frost may damage top growth in zone 8, but regrowth is rapid in spring. Prune only after the last frost to remove dead wood; formal shaping is unnecessary and short-lived, as the plant quickly reverts to its natural form.

In colder zones, coral fountain can be overwintered indoors near a sunny window.

Flower Power

Though each flower is only about an inch long, they appear in such profusion that the shrub becomes a mass of coral-red color. Hummingbirds are constant visitors. In frost-free areas, blooming may continue through winter.

Design Uses

Coral fountain's natural cascading habit makes it perfect for informal landscapes, but its fine texture also provides striking contrast against formally clipped shrubs and trees. Excellent locations include:

• Raised beds, walls, or pool edges where stems can spill over
• Under filtered shade of desert trees like palo blanco (Acacia willardiana) or palo verde (Parkinsonia 'Desert Museum')
• Massed in groups of three or five for a carpet of green and coral
• Combined with contrasting plants: blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucanthum), golden barrel cactus (Echinocactus grusonii), 'New Gold' lantana, desert ruellia (Ruellia peninsularis), or gray agaves like Agave americana

Planting & Care

• Dig a hole three times as wide as the root ball, same depth.
• Amend native soil with compost at a 1:1 ratio.
• For containers, use a quality potting mix formulated for pots.
• Choose full sun or filtered shade; avoid reflected heat and deep shade.
• Apply slow-release fertilizer in spring for best performance.

More:
Attract Hummingbirds and Bees With These Beautiful Summer Flowers
Learn more about gardening with native plants in your area