Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis): Cascading Coral Tubules

Firecracker plant (Russelia equisetiformis), also called coral plant, coralblow, or fountain plant, is a graceful, weeping subshrub with rush-like, leafless green stems that cascade from the center, producing masses of tiny, tubular, bright red flowers from spring to frost.

Habit

Forms a mound 3–4 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide, with stems arching outward like a fountain. Excellent for spilling over walls, in hanging baskets, or as a ground cover on slopes. Hummingbirds love the nectar-rich flowers.

Culture

Full sun to part shade; well-drained soil. Drought-tolerant once established. Prune to shape in late winter. Perennial in zones 9–11; grown as an annual elsewhere.

Taxonomy

• Family: Scrophulariaceae (Plantaginaceae)
• Genus: Russelia
• Species: equisetiformis