Description
Russelia Equisetiformis, Firecracker Bush
Cascading Fiery Red Blooms Attract Butterflies and birds. The Firecracker Bush grows in a wild and wispy cascade of scarlet tubular flowers. Its slender rush-like stems start out erect, then fall over in a burst of color. Many gardeners choose it for training on a trellis, accenting a border or spilling from a container. These shrubs can soften and highlight an otherwise well-trimmed landscape; but plan well, as they do not like to stay small. They need space.
Firecrackers are moderate to fast growers, reaching 3 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide. They bloom year-round and prefer full to part sun. They are salt-tolerant, and should be brought inside during cold weather.
History
Russelia Equisetiformis is native to Mexico and Guatemala. This eye-catching plant is a species of flowering plant and belongs to the Plantaginaceae family. The name russelia honors Scottish naturalist Alexander Russell. These plants have been popular among people for several years.
Care
If you are planning to keep them in your house, you need to give them good care.
Light
The firecracker plant grows well under the temperate of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. You need to keep them in the partial shade instead of direct sun, which helps these plants thrive.
Soil
They can bloom in every type of soil. Once they mature, the root system and root ball don’t like to get disturbed. Russelia Equisetiformis is tolerant to clay, loamy, sandy, or chalks soils. They can survive in pH levels from alkaline to acidic.
Water
You need to water them until they are fully mature. Once they are well established, they become drought tolerant. Water this plant regularly throughout the growing season. However, allow your plant to get dry between watering sessions.
Fertilizer
You need to choose balanced liquid fertilizers and dilute them before using them. Also, make sure to add fertilizer twice a week.
Common Issues
Firecracker Bush is not as susceptible to pests and diseases as other plants. But you still need to keep an eye on your plant.
Pests
Russelia Equisetiformis is an ideal home for nematodes, chewing insects, and mites. If you notice damaged areas on its leaves, cut them.
Remove the insects by wiping them off with soapy water or a damp cloth. You can also use neem oil spray and apply it on the entire plant to ward off insects.
Disease
Watering your plant in extremely humid weather can cause your firecracker bush’s leaves to fall off or die. Therefore, always give them the right amount of water and good care to avoid diseases.
Pruning
Prune your plant regularly from spring to summer to keep them healthy and get the desired shape. Also, if you notice any dead leaves, cut them off immediately.
Propagation
If you want to create new plants, you can do stem tip cutting. Choose any healthy tip with at least two leaves. The best time for propagation is spring. So, if you want the best results, make sure to choose the right time.
Potting / Repotting
Do the repotting in February using the peat moss-based and fast-draining potting mix. You need to repot your plant when its roots have used all the space in the pot. Also, use the general method to repot your firecracker bush.
don d. (verified owner) –
First rate packing, beautiful plants, arrived in perfect condition, would purchase again from Plant Vine.
Chris M. (verified owner) –
Karin B. (verified owner) –
My 2 plants arrived very well packaged and healthy. Just planted them and look forward to seeing them grow and bloom.
Ron Kline (verified owner) –
Arrived looking very healthy. Thank you!
Ellen Fortier (verified owner) –
Sandra Simons (verified owner) –
So far, it’s growing well!
Sheena M. (verified owner) –
Considering the summer heat in AZ, these are doing well after their ride in the back of a hot truck! One of the 3 plants suffered a bit, but I think it will bounce back ok. I am impressed so far.
George P. (verified owner) –
Sherry S. (verified owner) –
My plant arrived well packaged and in good health. I can’t wait to see it bloom!
Paulette (verified owner) –
I loved the plant that I ordered, it was just like the one in the book. Thank
Michael (verified owner) –
Just what I was looking for…
Kaye Lyerly (verified owner) –
Received right when they said. Plant in perfect condition, it’s beautiful. Hope I can keep it that way.
Michelle (verified owner) –
Plant arrived healthy and looking great!!
Charles (verified owner) –
This plant came to us ‘lovingly’ packed. We liked that we received a picture of our plant prior to shipping.
Our Firecracker plant went into it’s ‘summer home’ on Sunday and we are looking forward to seeing it grow, bloom and attract Hummingbirds to our front windows to watch.
Thank you for sending us such a nice plant.
Tamra Glover (verified owner) –
Plants were shipped quickly and arrived beautiful and healthy
Verna Terrell (verified owner) –
Carol Krakowski (verified owner) –
Plant smaller then expected.
michael (verified owner) –
Glee Cordell (verified owner) –
we were super impressed when our plants arrived in perfect condition. The plants were carefully wrapped so they didn’t dry out in transit. The plants were completely undamaged and the soil was still moist due to the careful packaging. Some of the plants were even in bloom. We also appreciated the careful instructions. we will certainly use PlantVine again.
Barbara S. (verified owner) –
Arrived healthy and happy. Very little signs of shock.
Russell A. (verified owner) –
Looks OK, time will tell.
Darrel (verified owner) –
So far, they look great and are growing nicely. They have only been here a week so they are still in the shipping pots, but I think they are going to go NUTS when they get new homes 🙂
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Judy (verified owner) –
I ordered 2 large Firecracker Ferns. I am a first time buyer. Gorgeous plants arrived! Packaged perfectly. Their email updates regarding delivery and follow up emails regarding how to take care of the plants is amazing! Highly recommend!
Annmarie McCollum (verified owner) –
I loved the way you looked out for my plant! You wouldn’t ship until the temperatures in my area were just right. To me that says it all as to shat your company values are. Thank you very much.
Donna M Holland (verified owner) –
My plant arrived healthy and undamaged from the shipping process. Looking forward to enjoying it on the deck all summer. Would purchase again.
Deborah (verified owner) –
My plant arrived in excellent condition. It was recommended I plant in 7-14 days after being removed from box. However, I’m going out of town and planted within 48 hours. It’s been in the ground for 2 days and doing well.
Virginia (verified owner) –
I recently helped neighbors plan and plant a garden — His wife said she once had a Firecracker plant and would like one for their new garden. I went to the internet and found one and ordered it for her. It arrived in perfect condition and carefully packed. I had received a photo of the plant with shipping information before it arrived. I will order from this company again — I am very pleased with the size and condition of the plant and the customer service. and the neighbors are delighted with their new addition to their garden. Thank you ……..
Sylvia S. (verified owner) –
jonathan glenn (verified owner) –
I bought two large, lovely plants; both are bushy and well-formed; just starting to bloom!