I first discovered the slender scarlet trumpets of Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis) some weeks ago while visiting Elgin's Nursery. Being totally unfamiliar with it, I didn't purchase it at the time. The difficulty is that Elgin's is a little further south and therefore less threatened by winter cold, so I came home and researched Russelia. Sure enough, it is a bit tender, though the
New Sunset Western Garden Book explains that it comes back vigorously even if cut down by freezing temperatures, and Wikipedia lists it as hardy to 20 degrees Farenheit (-6.6 Celsius) .
In the meantime, the plant had made a strong impression on me.
This meant that its brilliant scarlet flowers and brilliant green stems were irresistable when I discovered them again at a nearby garden center the other day. This time one came home with me. It's a named variety, "Big Red".
The bright green stems are, in fact, nearly leafless; the few leaves are small and round. The plant flings these stems out with a loose, arching habit that gives rise to one of its common names: "Coral Fountain". The trumpet flowers are quite small, about an inch or maybe a little more (2.5-3cm), but they attract butterflies and hummingbirds. (A hummingbird has already been reported on my little bush though I wasn't lucky enough to see!)
It is said to have a long bloom time - year-round with sufficient warmth. It is known to be drought and heat tolerant. It also is used for indoor growing and would presumably make a good subject for indoor hanging baskets.
I planted my little specimen (blooming nicely, as you can see) right up against the patio, where it will receive some protection from a roof, from the proximity of a mass of concrete, and from the downward slope beyond, which I hope will minimize the effects of a cold snap by allowing cold air to flow away more rapidly. And I am hoping for the best!
It's a gorgeous colour. Good luck with it. How cold does it get there? I remember being on a business trip in Phoenix In February and having to go out and buy a coat, early mornings were really chilly in spite of the sun.
ReplyDeleteThey say it can definitely drop below freezing in our area, though it hasn't done it so far this winter. As you say, the night temperatures can be an issue. And then coat-demanding early morning warms up to sleeveless shirt noon... and back down again. It's making me rethink how I dress ;) Definitely a good place for cardigans and such! But the plants seem to think it's great!
ReplyDeleteHow is your Big Red doing now? I just bought one at Apache Landscaping in Apache Junction. Planted it only days ago. No blooming yet. Do you have irrigation to your plant and if so, what is the drip rate? I put a blue flow top on my irrigation to it. I am only here 3+ months during the winter/spring and live in WI the rest of the year so I worry if it will do well when I am gone. Thanks for your blog!
ReplyDeleteShirley, I have no idea whether you'll get my reply as it's been months and I only just discovered your comment :( Big Red is still doing great -- one of the best plants in my garden for continuous bloom and just taking everything in stride. I have it planted in quite a bit of shade, which helps tremendously. I don't actually have drip irrigation in the garden; I'm still using a hose mostly, so I can't say anything about drip rate. But once it's established I would recommend a good, deep soak every five days or so in summer. It's from the tropics so can take a little more moisture than desert natives. It's been such a rough summer; I hope yours survived. I lost a number of new plants myself, even well-adapted types. But Russelia is a good choice overall here. Hope that bit of information will help! Welcome to the blog!
DeleteThank you so much Amy! I still enjoyed reading your response. I am in Wisconsin over the summer so I am keeping my fingers crossed that it survives! It has a drip but who knows if that is enough! I love it so far! Thanks again.
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