EXPLOSIVE COLOR: Newest Texas superstar plant has a lot to offer

Charlie Neumeyer | Victoria County Master Gardener

Jun 15, 2024

This photo highlights the sheer quantity and quality of the red tubular flowers that are borne on the 3 to 4 foot long Firecracker Fern plant. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Mike Arnold)

The color of this Firecracker Fern is enhanced by the white stonework walkway. (Texas A&M AgriLife photo by Mike Arnold)

The Firecracker Fern (Russelia equisetiformis), also known as the coral fountain or coral plant, is the latest plant to be named a Texas Superstar.

Although called a “fern,” the plant is, according to Wikipedia, “similar to the horsetail rush/fern” and does not belong to the fern family.

The Austin Native Landscape Plant library describes the Firecracker Fern as “an evergreen fern-like, flowering, drought tolerant perennial that is adapted to our fiery summers.” That is a pretty perfect description of this plant.

General Information

The Firecracker plant is native to Mexico and Guatemala, but not native to Texas. However, it is a Texas adapted plant and as such thrives in our hot, often steamy, climate. Texas A&M Agrilife Extension describes it as having a “mounding herbaceous growth, adorned with an abundance of small tubular blossoms in a vivid shade of orange-red to red.” While red/orange-red is the most common color, there are also varieties that bloom in pale yellow.

It is generally hardy in the crossroads area and blooms from spring to fall. It is particularly noteworthy for its arching, cascading stems which can be up to 4’ in length. Since the plant is essentially leafless, the stems have adapted to conduct the photosynthesis that is essential for the plant’s growth.

Growth Habits

Because of its mounding/weeping form, the Firecracker Fern can be used in a variety of locations. The plant can grow to 3’ wide and tall and looks good in a spot where it can drape over a retaining wall. If you have enough room, it can also be used as a sprawling border. Although most often used in the landscape, it is a great plant for a hanging basket or when grown in a tallish pot.

Growth Requirements

According to AgriLife Today, the firecracker plant is “exceptionally heat and sun-tolerant. Additionally, it can tolerate partial shade, providing some flexibility in placement.” During a drought, some supplemental watering may be needed every couple of weeks, but do not over water.

Its ability to survive intense heat with very little supplemental water makes it an ideal plant in a xeriscape or low water planting area. It is not picky about soil types. It will grow in sand, silt or clay. But, it does prefer good drainage. And, as noted, it does well in containers, but a larger container, think whiskey barrel, will require less frequent watering.

Maintenance

Basically, Firecracker Ferns require little in the way of maintenance. The Central Texas Gardener notes that if the plants become shaggy looking after the blossoms are spent, they can be sheared back to stimulate new growth. New growth comes from the roots.

In early spring, shear the plants back to 6” or all the way to the ground to “reinvigorate this aggressive grower.” Do be sure that the spot you choose is large enough to allow this plant to grow in its natural form.

Other Positive Attributes

As noted, the Firecracker Fern will bloom from spring to late summer. Hummingbirds are very attracted to the tubular blossoms. The Firecracker Fern has “very few insect or disease problems,” another attribute that makes it attractive. And, for better or worse, it will come up from seed in the flowerbed, but it is easy to control.

A Natural Choice for Color Loving Gardeners

The Firecracker Fern has all the characteristics that make it a natural as a Texas Superstar plant. It can take the heat, needs little water, provides vibrant color, and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. It is a perennial that will provide reliable color for many years in the garden.

The Gardeners’ Dirt is written by members of the Victoria County Master Gardener Association, an educational outreach of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Victoria County.

REFERENCES:

AGRILIFE TODAY: Ignite gardens with newest Texas Superstar – the firecracker plant

CENTRAL TEXAS GARDENER: Firecracker Fern Russelia equisetiformis

AUSTIN NATIVE LANDSCAPTING: Plant Library Firecracker Fern

WIKIPEDIA: Russelia equisetiformis