Russelia equisetiformis (Firecracker Fern)

Botanical name: Russelia equisetiformis

Common names: Firecracker Fern, Coral Plant

Origin: Mexico

This is a low-growing shrub, distinctive for its long, drooping, usually leafless stems and the almost continuous clusters of small, bright red tubular flowers. Each plant produces many branches and is particularly effective when grown in a raised bed or rock garden so that the flower-laden stems hang down. Another species, R. sarmentosa, is a larger shrub with less showy flowers. Both varieties are attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. Russelia will grow under both moist and dry conditions, but requires full sunlight and occasional pruning to flower well. Propagation is by division of old plants