Firecracker Plant

Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis)

The Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis) is a fast-growing, trailing shrub known for its unique, slender, red tubular flowers that resemble fireworks. This vibrant plant adds a burst of color and energy to gardens, containers, and hanging baskets, making it a perfect choice for creating dynamic, tropical displays. With its cascading growth habit and striking blooms, the Firecracker Plant is a favorite for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance plant that attracts pollinators.

Distinctive Features

Firecracker Plant features long, slender stems that are adorned with clusters of bright red tubular flowers, creating a cascading, �firecracker� effect as they bloom profusely throughout the growing season. Its fine, grass-like foliage provides a lush green backdrop that enhances the vivid red flowers, which attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees. The plant has a spreading, mounding growth habit, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets, containers, or as a ground cover in sunny areas.

Growing Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. For optimal flowering, it should receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.


• Soil: Thrives in well-draining, moderately fertile soil. It can tolerate various soil types, but it prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.


• Water: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods. Once established, it is somewhat drought-tolerant, but regular watering encourages more abundant blooms.


• Humidity: Prefers moderate humidity, making it well-suited to tropical and subtropical gardens, or for growing indoors with occasional misting.


• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11 (can be grown as an annual in cooler climates or overwintered indoors in colder zones).

Ideal Uses

• Hanging Baskets: Ideal for hanging baskets or containers where its trailing growth can cascade beautifully over the edges, creating a colorful display.


• Ground Cover: Works well as a spreading ground cover, adding vibrant color and texture to garden beds or as a low-maintenance addition to your landscape.


• Pollinator Gardens: The bright flowers attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, making it a great choice for creating a pollinator-friendly garden.


• Border Planting: Can be used along garden borders, providing vibrant color and attracting pollinators to your landscape.

Low Maintenance Care

Firecracker Plant is easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance once established. With regular watering and occasional pruning, it will continue to thrive and bloom profusely.

• Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, but ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging.


• Pruning: Prune after flowering to remove spent blooms and encourage new growth. Trim back any excessive or leggy growth to maintain a neat appearance.


• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season to promote vigorous growth and abundant blooms.


• Winter Care: In colder climates, bring the plant indoors before the first frost or protect it from frost with heavy mulch. It can be grown as a perennial in warmer climates.

Why Choose Firecracker Plant?

The Firecracker Plant combines stunning red tubular flowers, a low-maintenance nature, and a vigorous growing habit, making it a great choice for gardeners seeking a tropical touch with minimal care.

• Vibrant Flowers: The bright red tubular flowers create a dramatic, eye-catching display that blooms profusely throughout the season.


• Pollinator-Friendly: Attracts hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.


• Low Maintenance: This hardy plant requires little care and thrives with regular watering and occasional pruning.


• Versatile: Works well in hanging baskets, containers, or as ground cover, making it adaptable to a variety of garden settings.

For those looking for a vibrant, low-maintenance plant that adds color and attracts pollinators, the Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis) is a fantastic choice for any garden or container display.