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Firecracker Fern

Firecracker Fern

Russelia equisetiformis

The Firecracker Fern is a stunning plant that's well-adapted to Texas landscaping. The drought-tolerant plant does well in Austin's summer heat, providing several months of color and a unique look you can't help but appreciate.

Despite its common name, the Firecracker Fern isn’t a type of fern. It’s a look-alike that belongs to the same family of plants as snapdragons and foxgloves. Take one look at the Firecracker Fern, and it’s not hard to see why Austin landscapers and property owners love them. The bushy perennial is dense, producing thin stems of small oval leaves.

When spring rolls around, those stems will start producing buds that bloom into long, tube-like flowers. Because the stems are so thin, the weight of the flowers causes them to droop. The result is a breathtaking weeping effect!

Firecracker Fern Details

  • Common Names : Firecracker Fern, Fountainbush, Coral Plant, Coral Fountain, Coralblow
  • Plant Type : Perennial, weeping subshrub
  • Plant Family : Plantaginaceae
  • Color : Evergreen leaves with red blooms
  • Required Lighting : Full sun or partial shade (at least 4 hours of sunlight)
  • Average Height : 3 to 4 feet tall and wide
  • Watering Requirements : Medium to regular
  • Soil Preferences : Well-draining sand/clay soil
  • Best For : Containers, borders and groundcovers
  • Benefits : Drought-tolerant, freeze-hardy, deer-resistant, attracts pollinators.

From a maintenance perspective, Firecracker Ferns are easy to take care of. They do best in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Ideally, these plants will receive at least four hours of morning sun. They don’t need tons of watering, either. New plants can benefit from weekly watering. However, hydrating mature plants requires even less work. It’s best to let the soil dry out before watering. In Austin, that usually means that these plants need very little supplemental watering.

Russelia equisetiformis plants will color your landscaping from spring to fall while attracting important pollinators like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.