Russelia is a genus of about 50 species of flowering plants in the family Plantaginaceae, native to Mexico, Cuba and Central America.
Most of the species are shrubs, with many small tubular flowers in shades of red, pink and cream. They are great for containers and baskets, while some species are used to hide unattractive walls or fences because of their dense foliage.
The genus name is given in honor of Scottish naturalist Alexander Russell (1715–1768).
Russelia symbolizes rebirth and new beginnings.
Russelia equisetiformis, also known as Firecracker Plant or Coral Plant, is a shrub native to Mexico. It is the most popular species in the genus Russelia.
The plant’s specific name equisetiformis comes from the Latin “equis”, meaning “horse” and “seta”, meaning “bristle”, in reference to its resemblance to the horse tail rushes.
The common name Firecracker Plant comes from the appearance of a large number of flowers that look like a firework.
This species is widely cultivated around the world and listed as invasive species in some parts of the world.
It is an evergreen shrub that grows to a height of 1,5 m (5 ft) and displays vivid red tubular flowers resembling long firecrackers, and small scale-like leaves.
This versatile plant will become one of your favorites for its carefree nature and beauty.
It grows in full sun or partial shade in fertile, well-drained soil.
In an environment where temperatures drop down to near freezing in the winter, this plant will stop flowering, but during milder spells in the winter and spring it will produce masses of colorful flowers.
Firecracker Plant is often grown in a raised bed or rock garden, in hanging baskets and in high pots or containers.
