Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis): Cascading Coral Blooms for Sun

Botanical Name: Russelia equisetiformis

Firecracker Plant is a weeping shrub bursting with long sprays of orange-red flowers—hence its name. Other common names: coral plant and coral fountain plant.

Firecracker Plant in 4" Pot for Sale

Narrow, tubular flowers ~1 in (2.5 cm) long cover the plant from late spring through fall. Actually, it can flower anytime with enough warmth and light. Most blooms come from full sun—move outdoors for summer. It attracts passersby, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Show It Off Display in a large hanging basket to cascade, showing off fine-textured foliage covered with bright flower clusters. Give it space—this many-branching shrub can spread as wide as it is tall.

Prune It Back Pruning off flowered stems gives you more flowers! Cut spent flower stems at the base anytime. To keep size manageable, prune hard in early spring.

Bring It In This evergreen perennial is frost-tender. Unless you live in a year-round warm climate, overwinter indoors. Keep in a warm, sunny spot. Reduce watering as growth slows in winter.

Firecracker Plant Care Quick Reference

Origin: Mexico

Height: 3–6 ft (90 cm–1.8 m) tall; trails to 6 ft (1.8 m)

Light: Bright light to full sun

Water: Water thoroughly, allowing top of soil to dry between waterings. Mature plants are drought-tolerant—keep on the dry side.

Humidity: Average room humidity

Temperature: Average 65–75°F (18–24°C). Takes summer heat. Hardy USDA Zones 9b–11. Won't tolerate freezing.

Soil: Any good potting mix with added perlite or sand for quick drainage

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks spring through fall with balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Winter: feed monthly.

Propagation: Take stem tip cuttings in spring