Russelia Firecracker Red

Description

 

---

Russelia Firecracker Red

(Russelia equisetiformis)

Plant Description

Russelia Firecracker Red is a fast-growing, ornamental flowering plant known for its cascading, pencil-thin green stems covered in bright red tubular flowers. Blooming almost year-round in warm climates, it attracts butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets, balconies, and landscape borders.

---

Light

• Thrives in full sun to bright partial sun
• Minimum 5–6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• More sun = more flowers

---

Watering

• Water moderately
• Allow the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings
• Once established, it is drought-tolerant
• Avoid waterlogging

---

Soil

• Prefers well-draining soil
• Ideal mix: garden soil + sand + compost/cocopeat
• Suitable for pots and ground planting

---

Temperature & Climate

• Ideal temperature: 20–35°C
• Loves warm, tropical conditions
• Protect from frost and cold winds

---

Fertilizer

• Feed every 15–20 days during flowering season
• Use balanced liquid fertilizer or flowering booster
• Too much fertilizer reduces flowering

---

Pruning & Maintenance

• Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape
• Heavy pruning encourages bushier growth
• Very low-maintenance plant

---

Growth Habit

• Cascading / fountain-like
• Height: 1–1.5 meters
• Spread: 1–1.2 meters

---

Common Problems

• Yellowing stems: overwatering
• Poor flowering: low sunlight
• Generally pest-resistant

---

Uses

• Hanging baskets
• Balcony railings
• Ground cover
• Landscape borders
• Butterfly gardens

---

Key Benefits

• Almost year-round flowering
• Attracts pollinators
• Heat and drought tolerant
• Excellent for beginners

---