Firecracker plant, Coral plant

Russelia equisetiformis

Scrophularicaceae

The tiny, dark green leaves are scale-like and grow on thin, rush-like stems.

Russelia produces hanging clusters of scarlet tubular flowers about an inch long that look like little firecrackers. There is a species which produces light yellow flowers.

Plant in a location which gets full sun.

The plant requires a warm temperature.

It needs a well-drained potting mix or humus rich soil, a soil mix consisting of equal parts of loam and peat moss with sand added for drainage.

The Plant can tolerate extended drought once established.

Keep the soil moist, well drained.

Russelia equisetiformis is occasionally bothered by chewing insects, nematodes, and mites.

Coral plant is fast-growing, easy to cultivate and blooms almost continuously. They grow 3 feet or more in height with a spread of 2 feet.

Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks year around.

These plants can be pruned in early to keep them shapely. The dry twigs of the plants should also be removed regularly.

Propagation is done by dividing the plant and from tip cuttings.

Let coral plant spill over a wall or raised bed. It can also be used as an unclipped hedge. The distance of planting should be 1 foot c/c.

Hanging basket, mass planting, container plant, rock gardens