Firecracker plant (coral plant) Russelia equisetiformis
Firecracker plant (coral plant) (Russelia equisetiformis) is an evergreen perennial shrub in the Plantaginaceae family, native to Mexico and Guatemala. It grows 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) tall and 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -2 °C (28 °F). Space plants about 90 cm (35 in) apart.
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Firecracker plant (coral plant) at a glance
| Type | Perennial shrub, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Mature height | 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) |
| Mature spread | 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft) |
| Spacing | 90 cm (35 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 5 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -2 °C (28 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | about 17–34 weeks after planting, for 29–47 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Mexico and Guatemala |
| Common in gardens of | 🇲🇽 Mexico, 🇺🇸 United States, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇸🇬 Singapore, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇦🇺 Australia |
Is Firecracker plant (coral plant) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Firecracker plant (coral plant)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Firecracker plant (coral plant)
- How far apart should I plant Firecracker plant (coral plant)?
- About 90 cm (35 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 90 cm–1.5 m (35 in–4.9 ft).
- Does Firecracker plant (coral plant) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 5 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Firecracker plant (coral plant) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Firecracker plant (coral plant)?
- It tolerates about -2 °C (28 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Firecracker plant (coral plant) flower?
- About 17–34 weeks after planting, for 29–47 weeks.
- Is Firecracker plant (coral plant) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in standard poison references.
- What grows well with Firecracker plant (coral plant)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Firecracker plant (coral plant). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
Notes and assumptions
- Cascading rush-like green stems hung with scarlet tubes nearly all year; tumbles over walls and from planters. Hummingbirds and sunbirds visit.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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