Category: Perennials Tropicals and Tender Perennials Foliage Color: Bloom Characteristics: This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds Water Requirements: Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater Where to Grow: Height: 24-36 in. (60-90 cm) 36-48 in.
(90-120 cm) 4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m) Spacing: 24-36 in. (60-90 cm) 36-48 in. Negative Rating Content Positive On Jul 3, 2017, from Daytona Beach, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: This is a must-have plant for me. Atlantic coastal Florida, Zone 9b. It grows in damp soil, pure sand, hard pan marl, compost.
And in full shade to full sun. The stems get ruddy with increased sun. Tolerates heat and humidity and drought well. Blooms year round for me. As a cut flower it drops a lot of litter. You can prune it if you are so inclined, but if you want a neat shape be prepared to prune it multiple times a year. I've seen it grown as a hedge.
I may cut it back to four or five inches once every year or two. It doesn't reseed so much for me as root wherever the arching stems touch the soil, the palm trees, the rocks, etc. You can rip it out of the ground, and it will grow wherever it is dropped. Positive On Nov 27, 2016, from Staten Island, NY (Zone 6b) wrote: This plant is a big hit with hummingbirds. It appreciates perhaps requires lots of water. I pruned it hard and now have it indoors by a window for the winter. Neutral On Jun 8, 2016, from Dripping Springs, TX wrote: I have grown it but I did not bring it in during the winter and it died in a 3 day 16F cold snap and did not come back.
I am tempted to try again and treat it like a tropical. I love its look.
I grew it in the ground once but my land is too lean and alkaline for it. Neutral On Mar 18, 2015, from Orlando, FL wrote: Just purchased 11 small bushes for back fence. Some parts get full sun all day and some partial shade. I am in Orlando. Saw this at a nearby resort and it was stunning. I am hoping for success.
I will update in a month or so. Neutral On Jun 23, 2014, from Corpus Christi, TX (Zone 9a) wrote: Seems beautiful & easy, but. Has anyone else gotten a rash from contacting this plant? I was watering several plants while volunteering, and I suspect this plant of giving me a poison ivy like rash.
I did not contact Brazilian Pepper Bush, which i know can have this affect in our region. Anyone else know a zone 9a plant that it could have been, if not Firecracker Plant? Positive On Apr 14, 2013, from Denison, TX (Zone 7a) wrote: I purchased this little beauty on a whim from a local nursery.
I was looking for something with its qualities: bright blooms, new interest, and a draping/weeping habit. I have not entirely been disappointed by this tough plant. It lives in a triple-stacked cedar planting box on my front porch. Even in far North Texas, the summers can be downright brutal and everything on the front porch MUST be hardy enough to survive in a pot! Each fall (Nov/Dec) this triple box goes into the garden shed with other potted plants to hibernate through what we in Texas call 'winter.'
He receives heat, but little to no water (I'm a terrible, terrible plant mother in the winter. I go into hibernation myself and forget all about the poor babies sleeping in the shed!) Even with hardl y any moisture, and only warmth to keep him alive, this Firecracker comes out every year ready-to-go! Given a bit of a haircut and lots of water and compost, he will green up and bloom like mad! I need to find more to keep him company!
Positive On Jun 12, 2012, from Upper Swan, FM (Zone 10a) wrote: It thrives here, with no special attention except for keeping it watered. However, we rarely get frosts, as we live in a Mediterranean climate in Western Australia. Regards, W:) Positive On Jun 11, 2012, from Conroe, TX wrote: Hi Group! I purchased two of these in March 2012/ I added a Super Bloom food to them in the original plastic pots and had wonderful blooms which attracted BUTTERFLIES & HUMMINGBIRDS. I am getting ready to transplant them into my Garden with some fairly rich additives to the soil and expect to enjoy them for years.
We are in zone 8B so this winter am going to build Cold Frames (portable) using a HOUSE WRAP PLASTIC SHEETING & salvaged wood. Last year I built primitive green houses using this wrap.
I purchased it at WALMART FOR A LITTLE OVER $7.00- the thickness is measured in milimeters. This was the cheapest way to ensure protection of outdoor plants from mild freezes. Love the SITE! Positive On Jun 11, 2012, from Philadelphia, PA wrote: This is a wonderful hummingbird plant.
It is not winter-hardy in Zone 6B, so I buy 6 new ones each year from Almost Eden and plant them in long wooden boxes along the low stone wall that borders our driveway. I fill the remaining space in each box with culinary herbs. With good drainage and a full sun position, the Russelia blooms extravagantly from mid-summer till October. The arcing stems are lovely.
I have never tried to bring them in for the winter. Positive On Jul 24, 2011, from PURI, India wrote: Once you enter my clinic it is there to welcome everybody with its never vanishing Red bloom-here in India it blooms through out the year. I dont remember ever seeing it without bloom-It grows to waist height and i have been using it as a live fence.
I support the plants in a row with two stripes of bamboo on both sides. Soon the bamboos are hidden by the growth. It overflows on the pathway giving a beautiful look.
Russelia Firecracker Plant
Negative On Apr 23, 2011, from Lutz, FL wrote: I need help with this plant. It seems I am the only one who can't grow it with ease. Within a week of purchasing in a gallon pot, the lush stems die and turn brown. Some of the stems are still there - the thicker ones, and some of the thin ones. But I don't know why. I had it in mostly shade for a couple of days after purchase until I got it planted into a container.
Watered well, but then it started dying before the second week when I was ready to water again. Positive On Feb 14, 2011, from North Richland Hills, TX (Zone 7b) wrote: This is a beautiful plant. I noted that it is listed as growing in Fort Worth, TX. I live in the area and have tried to winter them several times and never had one live through. When planted after the danger of frost, they grow very rapidly and thrive in our summer climate.
Positive On Aug 17, 2010, from San Diego, CA wrote: This plant was mislabled when I bought it so, I had no idea what to expect. I live in S.California and have it planted on the south east side of a hill right next to a retaining wall. The plant has grown over 6ft tall and maybe 2x's that wide. Ive only had it for a year and a half, hardly ever fertalizing. I think it likes the good drainage. I went to give it a good trimming but the local hummingbird that was not happy about me being there. He squaked at me upclose so I left and just let it do its thing.
I have to say late autumn when nothing else is blomming, it is a nice surprize. Positive On Jun 1, 2010, from Olathe, KS wrote: This 'firecracker' plant is dynamite! I live in zone 5, Kansas, so must overwinter it in my house. Outside in summer, in as much sun as I can give it, it thrives, blooms, and puts on quite a display! I grow it in at least a gallon size pot for ease of taking into the house in fall. Very little if any fertilizer needed.
The biggest drawback I have with it is never to let it dry out. I have lost russelia by letting it become too dry. Inside, during the winter, it will flower sparingly if in a bright location. When taking it outside in spring, you don't need to be as careful of sun burn as you do with many other plants. It has never self seeded-and never started from a stem cutting. I'm glad to have that information as now I'll start my own.
This plant is a real winner in my book! Positive On Oct 10, 2009, from Tavira, Portugal wrote: This plant also grows beautifully in the south of Portugal. Mine had a first year of looking rather weedy and stringy, a tough winter with much more than our usual share of freezing nights and then this year has taken off and been blooming abundantly since May.
Can't wait to see how it carries through the winter. Positive On Sep 11, 2009, from North Tonawanda, NY (Zone 6a) wrote: I ordered this plant in July of this year from Sweet Nectar Nursery. Since it was so late in the season, Susan didn't have much left and she apologized that the plant was small.
That was ok as I was going to have to overwinter it inside anyway since I live in western NY. Well I potted it in a small hanging basket and left it to its own devices except for watering it as I didn't expect much growth this year.
It has nearly filled the small hanging basket and as of Sept. 9th has its first bloom. This was a very pleasant surprise. I have been sitting on the fence about ordering this plant for 2 years until I actually saw them while on vacation in Florida this year and fell in love immediately.
Now I want several more! Positive On Aug 20, 2009, from Bell, CA wrote: hello every body! I am a new member here at DG and so far I love it, anyway regarding this plant i can say that I just bought a pair of them in hanging baskets they look very nice and they attract humming birds which in the first place that is the reason a bought them for. I am in Los Angeles CA. Positive On Aug 17, 2009, from Lincoln, NE (Zone 5b) wrote: This is a wonderful plant for a hanging basket!
Since we're in zone 5, and it's a tropical plant, I'm going to try and attempt to take cuttings and overwinter the original plant we have now. If I am unsucessful, I'll still get this plant again next Spring! Positive On Jun 26, 2009, from Sebastian, FL (Zone 9b) wrote: I've had this plant growing in the ground next to my fish pond for several years.the pond leaks a bit so the ground where it's at stays damp and the plant apparently loves it. It's in full, hot sun, the ones I've planted in shadier spots don't thrive well, if at all.
The ones I've planted where it's drier haven't done well either. We had 2 freezes this past winter, I didn't cover the one big plant and it came through fine.
Several of the smaller ones in a different area were covered until the wind blew the covers off during the night but they didn't seem damaged either. Once or twice a year when I get down and clean out the area around it I will pull up numerous runners.I just stick them in some dirt and they grow. Positive On Mar 16, 2009, from Palm Springs, CA wrote: This is one of my favorite FAVORITE plants.
I grow this in tall pots here in Palm Springs,Ca. It never stops growing and never stops blooming. Info on it says it likes dry soil but mine respond best to regular watering. I find after a 'stem' blooms if I cut it back (to the base) I will get more. I like it planted high so the stems can hang over the edge of the pot amd my hummers can get to them. They are hard to find in nurseries (at least here) but ALMOST EDEN (a GREAT nursery) sells them mailorder. Mencoder gui. Hybridizers are starting to work with them.
So far I have them in MANY colors.red,pale yellow,white,orange,pink,coral,salmon and deep yellow. It is NATURAL for the stems to turn reddish in the hot sun.These plants are not fond of shade,and will not bloom as m uch (or at all) if not grown in hot sun.
My summer temps are 112 (to 121) everyday from May thru Oct. The heat has no affect on them. This are native to the humid interiors of central Mexico where it is COMMON to see bushes of russelia that are 8 feet tall and as wide. They drive my hummingbirds wild with delight. Positive On May 28, 2008, from Scottsdale, AZ wrote: I have this plant growing in a pot in Arizona. How do you prune the Coral Plant to get it more bushy?
More compact. Neutral On May 13, 2007, from Marco Island, FL wrote: Plantings in the Marco Island (FL) area flower beautifully year-round. But gefore I plant, can anyone advise how to thin/prune this fast grower? Positive On Apr 28, 2007, from Houston, TX (Zone 10a) wrote: I saw some of these fellas looking like a giant green and red waterfall by an old nursery near my new house. I thought wow i'd love some of those, now its just a matter of finding the perfect spot in the yard for them:) Positive On Jun 11, 2006, from Oak Hill, OH (Zone 6a) wrote: Growing well here in central Louisiana - in shady area. Dies back some if cold snap (zone 8b) but has always come back. Positive On May 19, 2006, from Conway, SC (Zone 8b) wrote: Although this species is said to grow in Zone 9 or higher, I have had two plants in the ground since 2003 here in Zone 8 (coastal South Carolina) without any special mulching or other winter protection.
They tend to become dormant shortly after a first frost and do not start to re-grow until well into late April or early May. First blooms appear by late June - early July and last until late September or even until late October. Very attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Positive On May 18, 2006, from Richmond, TX (Zone 9a) wrote: I love this plant. I grow it inground and in pots.
I remember when I was little seeing hummingbirds visit this plant, but as a grownup I have never seen any hummers visiting. Positive On Apr 4, 2006, from west Houston, TX (Zone 9a) wrote: This is the most indestructable plant I have ever grown. The hummingbirds love it and it blooms almost 24/7/365 for me!
Positive On Dec 12, 2005, from Austin, TX (Zone 8b) wrote: I grew it in the ground and then put it in a pot so that it would cascade over the sides of the pot. The hummingbirds love it. I brought it indoors when we had a cold snap(down to 25 F). In all, a great plant. Positive On Nov 21, 2003, from Schriever, LA (Zone 9a) wrote: I have this plant growing in a container on my patio.
It has an arching form and blooms continuously from spring until frost. My hummingbirds LOVE this plant! Positive On Nov 1, 2003, from Daytona Beach, FL wrote: I am on the East Coast of Central Florida - Daytona Beach. These plants do die back in the winter if we have a freeze here, but they come right back up when the weather warms up and just bloom all summer long. I have some in full shade and some in full sun and they don't seem to care! I just take a pup and replant it wherever I want them. So far I have reds and 1 white one that I just purchased last week.
Neutral On Jul 16, 2003, wrote: I live in Zone 7, and I am using these for container plants on my full sun deck. They love it.
Neutral On Jun 18, 2003, from Plantersville, MS wrote: I got this plant last year. It is a beautiful and unusual plant. My plant will grow-out and then die off. It has not bloomed since I bought it, but was blooming when I purchased it.
I guess the best way to describe is it doesn't appear to be thriving. I have not repotted it. When I put it in full sun it turned a dark reddish-brown color so I put it back in partial shade and it is green again. I did winter it indoors last year, and I did think it was going to die then. Neutral On Jun 3, 2003, from Keizer, OR (Zone 8b) wrote: I like this plant, but it is somewhat invasive here in southwest Florida (U.S.) It's often used as an understory plant for palms, and it look fabulous as such, owing to the contrast of textures, colors, and growing habit. But if you let it escape in your intended use, you may spend a couple of years getting rid of it. Positive On Jun 3, 2003, from Sacramento, CA (Zone 9a) wrote: I have this plant growing outdoors in Sacramento, California (U.S.) for about three years now.
It has not spread through seeds - just basically maintains itself with dieback and new growth. Cs2820 safe manual. Makes a nice, maintenance-free plant that provides a few dramatic sprays in flower arrangements. Neutral On May 26, 2003, from Leander, TX (Zone 8a) wrote: I love this plant and don't want it to die, although I live in zone 5a. Neutral On May 25, 2003, from Interlachen, FL wrote: I have never owned this plant; however, I have had neighbors who did. (I thought it was a weed!) It can live in partial sun and will die back in the winter. It comes back with a vengeance the following year!!!
Positive On Nov 20, 2002, wrote: I have propagated this plant with stem cuttings. The ones that did the best were the ones that actually fell over on their side and layered themselves. It took a long time, seems like around three months (during wintertime, though.) I have had the mother plant for a year. It has bloomed on and off sporadically through the year. I'm in USDA Zone 7, so the plant was outside in the summer and is wintered over in a greenhouse.
Firecracker plant explodes in a blast of color at Miami's Fairchild Tropical Garden. Description Coral plant is a multi-branched subshrub with slender, rushlike stems that are angled with ridges and leaves that are reduced to little more than small scales. The wiry branches start out erect then fall over to cascade down in lengths as long as 4 ft (1.2 m). From spring until fall outdoors and all year long indoors, coral plant produces hanging clusters of scarlet tubular flowers about 1 in (2.5 cm) long that look like little firecrackers inspiring the plant's other common name, firecracker plant. Location Coral plant, Russelia equisetiformis, is native to Mexico. It has escaped cultivation and established in disturbed sites in central and southern Florida and in other warm climate areas. Culture Grow in a humus rich, well drained soil and fertilize regularly.
Light: Full sun or partial shade. Moisture: Water regularly and don't let the soil dry out. Hardiness: USDA Zones 9 - 12. Propagation: Easy to propagate from tip cuttings.
Usage Coral plant is often grown in hanging baskets. It does well on the patio or indoors in front of a window.
Outdoors, let coral plant spill over a wall or raised bed. Stems can be tied to a trellis or wall. The coral plant is a great nectar source for both butterflies and hummingbirds, attracting great numbers of both from throughout the neighborhood. Features Coral plant is fast growing, easy to cultivate and blooms almost continuously. This plant is a must have for tropical butterfly gardens.
Another tender perennial, is also sometimes called firecracker plant as well as cigar plant. It too is a fine butterfly and hummingbird plant and looks great planted with this firecracker plant. 11/20/99; updated 10/23/03, 7/17/04.
Native to Mexico, Coral Plant (Russelia equisetiformis) is a highly ornamental shrub with slender, wispy stems spilling out like a waterfall and ablaze with clusters of bright, coral-red tubular flowers, which attract hummingbirds and butterflies. This striking multi-branched plant has virtually no foliage and will gracefully cascade from your walls or raised beds in a beautiful, continuous warm display of scarlet blossoms from late spring to fall (all year in warm climate areas). Growing about 6 ft. Long (180 cm) and spreading 2 ft. Wide (60 cm), this sprawling shrub consists of a dense, arching crown composed of many weeping green branches, covered by small, insignificant leaves.
Long clusters of firecracker-like flowers, 1-inch-long hang at the branch tips. Easy to grow, it thrives in full sun or part sun in fertile, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Heat and drought tolerant, once established. Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society (1993).
Very versatile, it can be used as an accent plant, part of a mass planting, in containers or hanging baskets. Water and fertilize regularly and let them dry out between irrigations.
Prune to shape or to remove dead growth. Requirements Hardiness 9 – 11 What's My Zone?
Requirements Hardiness 9 – 11 What's My Zone?
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