Russelia ‘Ruby Falls’ | equisetiformis - Red Firecracker Plant

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Create a striking cascade of fine green foliage and vibrant red flowers with Russelia ‘Ruby Falls’, an attractive trailing shrub commonly known as the Firecracker Plant. Long, slen der stems arch outward and spill over garden edges, producing masses of narrow ruby-red to vermilion tubular flowers. Its naturally weeping habit makes it particularly effective above retaining walls, across banks and slopes, or in raised pots and hanging baskets. The nectar-rich flowers are highly attractive to small nectar-feeding birds, butterflies and other garden pollinators. Plant Size Note Supplied as a young plant in a 42mm tube. Plants supplied in 42mm tubes are small starter plants and will require growing time before reaching the mature size shown in example images. Plants may not be flowering when dispatched. Height, branching, stem length, foliage colour and seasonal appearance will vary naturally between individual plants. Features Russelia equisetiformis ‘Ruby Falls’ Commonly known as Ruby Falls Firecracker Plant Rich ruby-red to vermilion tubular flowers Fine green foliage on slender stems Graceful arching and cascading growth Flowers mainly from late spring through autumn Extended flowering possible in warm climates Stems and foliage may develop reddish tones during cooler weather Nectar-rich flowers attract birds and butterflies Excellent for spilling over walls and garden edges Suitable for banks, slopes and raised garden beds Attractive in pots and hanging baskets Drought tolerant once established Suitable for full sun to part shade Responds well to pruning Supplied in a 42mm tube Mature Size Ruby Falls commonly grows approximately: Height: 60cm–1m Width: Approximately 1m Its long stems may extend further when allowed to cascade over a retaining wall, bank or raised container. Final size will depend on climate, soil, watering, available space and pruning. Flowering Ruby Falls produces pendant clusters of narrow, tubular flowers in rich red to vermilion tones. Flowering is generally strongest from late spring through summer and into autumn. In warm subtropical and frost-free climates, scattered flowers may also appear at other times of the year. Each flower is relatively small, but established plants can produce them in large numbers, creating a bright display across the cascading stems. Flowering time and abundance will vary depending on sunlight, climate, rainfall, pruning and plant maturity. Planting and Care Plant Russelia ‘Ruby Falls’ in full sun to part shade. Full sun generally encourages denser growth and the strongest flowering. It can tolerate light part shade, although flowering may be reduced in darker positions. Choose fertile, free-draining soil. Russelia can adapt to sandy and loamy soils but should not be planted where water remains around the roots for extended periods. Plant at approximately the same depth it was growing in its original tube. Avoid burying the stems or planting the root ball too deeply. Water thoroughly after planting and maintain consistent moisture while the young plant establishes. A young plant supplied in a 42mm tube should not be allowed to dry out completely during its early development. Once established, Ruby Falls develops good tolerance to short dry periods. Occasional deep watering during prolonged hot or dry conditions will help maintain healthy foliage and continued flowering. Apply mulch around the root zone to conserve moisture and reduce weeds. Keep the mulch slightly away from the centre of the plant. Feed during spring with a balanced controlled-release fertiliser, following the product directions. Pruning Trim Ruby Falls after a major flowering flush or whenever the stems become untidy. Pruning can be used to: Encourage fresh branching Maintain a denser plant Control its spread Remove damaged or older stems Keep growth clear of pathways Refresh established plants Established plants generally respond well to a firm trim when required. Avoid removing all active growth immediately before the main flowering season. Spreading Habit Russelia stems may form roots where they remain in contact with moist soil. This can help the plant cover banks and garden edges but may also allow it to spread beyond the original planting area. Trim trailing stems or remove newly rooted sections where spreading is not wanted. For easier control, grow Ruby Falls in a pot, hanging basket, raised garden bed or other contained planting area. Landscape Uses Russelia ‘Ruby Falls’ is suitable for: Retaining walls Raised garden beds Banks and slopes Rockeries Garden borders Cottage-style gardens Tropical and subtropical gardens Poolside landscapes Courtyards Hanging baskets Decorative pots Bird-attracting gardens Butterfly gardens Mass planting Cascading feature planting Allow approximately 60–100cm between plants, depending on the desired coverage and how frequently the plants will be pruned. Growing in Pots Ruby Falls is well suited to pots, hanging baskets and raised containers where its long stems can cascade over the edges. Transfer the young plant into a container only slightly larger than its existing root system. Avoid planting a small 42mm-tube plant directly into an excessively large pot, as unused potting mix may remain wet for too long. Use a quality free-draining potting mix and a container with clear drainage holes. Position the container in full sun or light part shade. Container-grown plants require more frequent watering and feeding than plants growing in the ground. Trim older stems periodically to encourage fresh growth and maintain a neat cascading shape. Climate Ruby Falls performs best in warm-temperate, subtropical and tropical climates. It generally remains evergreen in warm, frost-free areas but may become semi-evergreen or suffer foliage damage during cold winters. Protect young plants from hard frost and cold drying winds. In cooler climates, plant it in a warm, sheltered position or grow it in a container that can be moved into a protected area during winter. Product Details Botanical Name: Russelia equisetiformis ‘Ruby Falls’Common Names: Ruby Falls Russelia, Red Firecracker Plant, Coral PlantPlant Type: Evergreen or semi-evergreen cascading shrubSupplied As: Young live plant in a 42mm tubeFlower Colour: Ruby red to vermilion redFlower Form: Narrow tubular flowersFoliage: Fine green foliage on slender stemsGrowth Habit: Arching, weeping and cascadingMature Height: Approximately 60cm–1mMature Width: Approximately 1mFlowering Time: Mainly late spring through autumnAspect: Full sun to part shadeSoil: Fertile and free-drainingWatering: Regular while establishing; drought tolerant once matureFrost Tolerance: Frost sensitive; protect from hard frostPollinator Friendly: YesBird Attracting: YesPruning: Trim as required to control spread and encourage fresh growthUses: Walls, banks, pots, hanging baskets, borders and feature planting Important Note Images show mature established plants in flower and are provided as examples only. You will receive a young starter plant in a 42mm tube. It may have limited branching and may not be flowering when dispatched. Plant height, stem length, foliage colour and seasonal appearance will vary naturally. Long stems may be lightly trimmed before dispatch where required for safe transport and healthy future growth. Biosecurity and Shipping State, territory and regional biosecurity restrictions may apply to live plants. Please check whether this plant can be sent to your delivery address before ordering. Orders placed for restricted destinations may need to be cancelled and refunded. Biosecurity requirements may change without notice. FAQ What colour are Ruby Falls flowers? Ruby Falls produces rich ruby-red to vermilion tubular flowers. Is this the standard Firecracker Plant? Ruby Falls has the familiar cascading habit of the Firecracker Plant but is selected for its particularly rich red flower colour. What size plant will I receive? You will receive a young plant supplied in a 42mm tube. Will it arrive in flower? Not necessarily. Flowering depends on plant maturity, season and growing conditions. How large does Ruby Falls grow? It commonly reaches approximately 60cm–1m high and around 1m wide. Its stems may trail further when planted above a wall or in a raised container. When does it flower? Flowering is generally strongest from late spring through autumn, with additional flowers possible in warm climates. Does it grow in full sun? Yes. Full sun generally encourages the strongest flowering and densest growth. Can it grow in part shade? Yes. It tolerates light part shade, although flowering may be lighter in darker positions. Is it suitable for subtropical gardens? Yes. Ruby Falls is particularly well suited to warm and subtropical gardens. Is it drought tolerant? Yes, once established. Young plants still require regular watering while developing their root systems. Can it tolerate frost? Hard frost can damage the stems and foliage. Plant it in a sheltered position in colder climates. Can it grow in a hanging basket? Yes. Its long cascading stems make it an excellent choice for hanging baskets and raised containers. Is it suitable for retaining walls? Yes. It is particularly effective where its stems can trail over the edge of a retaining wall. Does it attract birds? Yes. The nectar-rich tubular flowers can attract small nectar-feeding birds. Does it attract butterflies? Yes. Butterflies and other pollinators may visit the flowers for nectar. Does Ruby Falls spread? The stems may form roots where they remain in contact with moist soil. Prune or remove rooted sections if spreading is not wanted. Does it need pruning? Light pruning helps control its spread and encourages fresh, bushier growth. Can it grow in clay soil? It may grow in improved clay soil where drainage is suitable. Avoid waterlogged positions. Is it evergreen? It generally remains evergreen in warm frost-free climates. In cooler areas, it may become semi-evergreen or lose some foliage during winter. Show more