Red Firecracker Bush
Red Firecracker Bush
Red Firecracker Bush
Red Firecracker Bush
Red Firecracker Bush
Red Firecracker Bush
Red Firecracker Bush
Red Firecracker Bush
Red Firecracker Bush
Red Firecracker Bush
Red Firecracker Bush
Red Firecracker Bush

Red Firecracker Bush

Russelia equisetiformis
  • Fiery Cascades: Showy scarlet tubular blooms that spill like fireworks for nonstop color
  • Landscape-Ready Size: Ships 24″–28″ tall including a 10″ planter in a 3 Gallon nursery pot
  • Pollinator Magnet: Hummingbirds and butterflies flock to the nectar-rich flowers
$49.99
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The Red Firecracker Bush (Russelia equisetiformis)—often called the firecracker plant or firecracker bush—erupts with cascades of scarlet, tubular flowers that look like bursts of fireworks. This low-maintenance, heat-loving perennial thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, making it an easy choice for borders, slopes, and container displays. Shipped in a 3 Gallon nursery planter (24″–28″ tall), our red firecracker plant for sale establishes quickly, attracts pollinators, and delivers dazzling color from spring through fall while developing excellent drought tolerance once mature.

Red Firecracker Bush Highlights & Features

Fiery Scarlet Blooms: Cascading, tubular flowers create a fireworks effect all season

Perfect Landscape Size: 24″–28″ tall including a 10″ planter; shipped in a 3 Gallon nursery pot

Pollinator Friendly: Hummingbirds and butterflies visit continuously for nectar

Drought Tolerance: Mature plants handle dry spells with minimal stress

Deer Resistance: Foliage and flowers are generally unappealing to deer

Pet Note: Pet safety is not confirmed; keep out of reach as a precaution

Nursery Fresh: Professionally grown and shipped from our Florida nursery for peak vigor

Red Firecracker Plant Care

The red firecracker plant thrives in full sun with fast-draining soil and moderate watering. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then let the surface dry slightly before watering again to promote deeper roots. Light monthly feeding and occasional pruning keep plants dense, blooming, and beautifully arched.

Sunlight: Full sun for 6–8+ hours daily to maximize flowering

Watering: Water regularly during establishment, then water when the top inch of soil is dry

Soil: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil prevents root issues

Fertilizer: Feed monthly in spring and summer to fuel continuous blooms

Hardiness: USDA Zones 9b–11; protect from frost in cooler regions

Light: Bright, direct sun outdoors; brightest window or sunroom indoors

Watering: Maintain even moisture but avoid soggy conditions

Container: Ships in a 3 Gallon nursery planter; ensure excellent drainage

Temperature: Keep above 60°F and avoid cold drafts

Placement: Ideal for patios, poolside beds, and slope edges where the form can cascade

Bloom Cycle: Prolific from spring through fall; may flower year-round in frost-free zones

Pruning: Shear lightly after flushes to shape and encourage reblooming

Propagation: Softwood cuttings root readily in warm weather

Pests: Typically trouble-free; occasionally monitor for aphids on soft growth

Winter Care: In zones below 9b, overwinter indoors in bright light or provide frost protection

Expert Grower’s Tips for Red Firecracker Bush

Advice from our growing experts

Full Sun = Fireworks

Full Sun = Fireworks

Give the plant as much direct sun as possible for continuous flowering. Less sun leads to fewer blooms and leggier growth. South or west exposures typically deliver the best results.

Water, Then Dry Slightly

Water, Then Dry Slightly

Keep soil evenly moist during the first few weeks, then let the surface dry before watering again. This cycle builds deeper roots and better drought tolerance. Avoid standing water to prevent root stress.

Trim to Refresh

Trim to Refresh

A light shear after a heavy bloom flush renews branching and sets up the next wave of flowers. Focus on shaping long, arching stems without cutting into old wood. Follow with a balanced feed to power new growth.

These tips are based on 30+ years of professional growing experience at our Florida nursery.

Red Firecracker Plant FAQ

Plant in full sun with well-draining soil and water regularly until established. Thereafter, allow the top inch of soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering. Monthly feeding and light pruning keep plants dense, healthy, and in heavy bloom.

Pet safety for Russelia is not fully established, so treat it with caution around animals. It is not commonly listed as highly toxic, but individual sensitivities can occur. If a pet chews the plant, monitor closely and consult a veterinarian if symptoms appear.

Yes, firecracker bush is perennial in USDA Zones 9b–11 and can bloom nearly year-round in frost-free climates. In cooler areas, grow it as a warm-season annual or overwinter indoors in bright light. With proper protection, you can enjoy the same plant for many seasons.

Firecracker plants are generally considered deer resistant. The foliage and tubular flowers are typically unappealing to browsing deer. In deer-heavy areas, this makes Russelia a smart choice for reliable color.

Most plants mature around 2–3 feet tall with a wider spread from arching stems. In ideal conditions, the cascading habit fills space quickly and softens edges. Pruning lets you control size and maintain a tidy silhouette.

It will survive in bright partial shade, but flower production will decrease noticeably. Aim for full sun to achieve the longest, heaviest bloom cycles. If shade is unavoidable, increase light by moving containers or selectively thinning nearby foliage.

Hear it from them

★★★★★

WOW!!! This is a real milkweed plant, healthy as all get up! Well packaged! Love that it's a Plant Box!!! Delivery person can see clearly that they should handle safely and deliver it asap!!! My caterpillars will have lots of food so they can grow to be beautiful Monarchs 😍

Ingi
New Bern, NC
★★★★★

Tropical Plant came through with the shipping. I ordered this plant the night of July 24th it was shipped 25, 2025 and delivered July 27th...OUTSTANDING! The Thai Constellation I ordered arrived in awesome condition. Very healthy and lush. Suffice it to say I will be ordering from this shop again. Top notch across the board.

William
Galveston, TX
★★★★★

This shop has the most fantastic, healthy, gorgeous plants. I am a repeat customer and have never been disappointed. In fact the plants have always exceeded my expectation and plants are often much larger than expected. Packaging is some of the most professional I've seen, with not one leaf damaged. I'll be back for more.

Kelly
Phoenix, AZ
★★★★★

Beautiful healthy plant and great size too! This is my first purchase and I couldn’t be happier. Now I need the tree version. Thank you for such a great plant.

Paula
Chicago, IL
★★★★★

Okay so if you are looking for a happy healthy plant. This is who to get it from. It has already started blooming again. I've already had two neighbors ask where I got it from and referred them to you. Cannot recommend this seller enough

Philip
Crofton, MD
★★★★★

Gorgeous plant, arrived perfect and healthy. I keep coming back as this nursery delivers perfection every time. Very quick shipping and expertly packed. The best!!

large croton petra plant for sale #size_3-gallon
Hilary
Bellingham, WA