This sub-shrub forms an upright habit with drooping woody squarish stems. The bright green ovate leaves have toothed margins and the pendent bright red tube-shaped flowers appear in a cluster from spring to summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Russelia sarmentosa is naturally found in North America growing in Mexico. It prefers a well drained fertile moist sandy to light clay loam that is rich and organic in an open sunny to semi shaded position and is frost and drought resistant.

The Firecracker Plant is grown for its colourful flowers and its shrubby habit. It is planted in small gardens as a specimen or used for a tropical effect. It is also grown as a filler or as a spill-over plant above retaining walls. It can also be planted in containers and hanging baskets and in cool climates it is grown as a glasshouse specimen. This vigorous plant establishes in 1 to 2 years. ID 967

Russelia (rűs-EL-ee-a) sarmentosa (sar-men-TÔ-sa)

Scrophulariaceae (skrof-yoo-larr-ee-AY-see-ee)
Figwort and Foxglove Family