1 named cultivar
The Story
Plant Bio
Russelia equisetiformis, firecracker plant, is an arching cascading shrub from Mexico, two to four feet high and three to five across. Its stems are green, rush-like and almost leafless — the tiny needle-like leaves are barely visible — and slender scarlet tubular flowers hang along their length for most of the year.
The near-leafless green stems do the photosynthesis, which is why the plant reads as a fountain of red flowers on bare wire and why it cascades so well from a wall or basket. It flowers almost continuously in warmth, and hummingbirds work it relentlessly — the tubular scarlet flowers are shaped precisely for them.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Shrub
Height
36 inches
Width
48 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Low to moderate
Humidity
Moderate
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Mexico
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Plant in full sun in freely draining soil.
- Site it where the stems can cascade over an edge.
- Water moderately; it tolerates some drought.
- Trim spent stems at the base to renew it.
- Take cuttings in late summer as insurance.
- Overwinter under cover below zone 9.
Pro Tip
Cut tired stems out at the base rather than shortening them — the fountain habit depends on full-length stems arching from the crown.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Let it cascade over a wall or basket 🪴
- Give it full sun ☀️
- Cut old stems at the base ✂️
- Plant it for hummingbirds 🐦
Don't
- Shorten stems partway ❌
- Let it sit in wet soil ❌
- Leave it outdoors below zone 9 ❌
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enjoy | ||||||||||||
| Renew |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Firecracker Plant questions
What zones can Firecracker Plant grow in?
Firecracker Plant is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Firecracker Plant deer resistant?
Yes — Firecracker Plant is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Firecracker Plant bloom?
Firecracker Plant typically blooms in spring to fall through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Firecracker Plant need full sun?
Firecracker Plant does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Firecracker Plant drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Firecracker Plant handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Firecracker Plant with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.