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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean,
sub-tropical
Vigour
:
fairly fast
growing
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, very
humid, extremely
humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
high
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (1800
ppm)
Hardiness
:
0°C
SHAPE
Type
:
shrub
Height
:
1 m-1.5 m
Spread
:
1.5 m-2 m
Foliage
:
deciduous
FLOWER
Colour
:
bright red
Size
:
2 cm - 3 cm
Period
:
May - October
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
0.6 cm
The Firecracker Plant originates from tropical and subtropical regions between Mexico and Peru.
Its green stems perform photosynthesis, while the foliage has degenerated to tiny, short-lived
scales. It is widely distributed in frost-free regions for its year-round flowering, with its peak in
summer and early autumn. Reaching up to 3 cm in length, the tubular flowers appear mainly at
the twigs’ end, where they are pollinated by insects. Seeds develop in capsules and are best har-
vested by attaching a bag to the branches. Sowing is one way to multiply this plant, but softwood
cuttings also grow easily. The latter method is necessary to achieve plants with similar characte-
ristics. Some cultivars have flowers in a yellow or cream colour. In open ground, this plant forms
a green fountain, when hundreds of wiry twigs sprout up and topple over when extending their
length. In this manner they reach a height of 1.5 metres and a width of 2 metres. The virtues of
Russelia are much better presented where it cascades over a wall or the edges of a raised contai-
ner. It demands good drainage and tolerates some drought when established. Frequent irrigation
and regular fertilising guarantee healthy growth and sustained flowering. Exposure to wind is
accepted, and Firecracker Plants tolerate both acidic and alkaline soils. It has adapted well to
the conditions in Arriyadh, and planted in masses it makes an attractive area cover on slopes.
Maintenance is limited to occasional cutting back to rejuvenate growth every two or three years.
266
Russelia equisetiformis,
Scrophulariaceae
Coral Fountain,
Firecracker Plant