Riyadh Plants
Coral Fountain, Firecracker Plant
The Firecracker Plant originates from tropical and subtropical regions between Mexico and Peru. Its green stems perform photosynthesis while the foliage has degenerated to tiny, short-lived scales. It is widely distributed in frost-free regions for its year-round blooming with its peak in summer and early autumn. Reaching up to 3 cm length the tubular flowers appear mainly at the twigs’ end where they get pollinated by bees and butterflies. Seeds develop in capsules and are best harvested by imposing a bag on the branches. Sowing is one way to multiply this plant but softwood cuttings also grow easily. The latter method is necessary to achieve plants with similar characteristics as their parents. Some cultivars show flowers in yellow or cream colour. In open ground this plant forms a green fountain, when hundreds of wiry twigs sprout up and topple over when extending their length. In this manner they reach a height of 1.5 metres and 2 metres width. Its advantages are much better presented, where Russelia cascades over a wall or the edges of a raised container. It demands good drainage and takes some drought when established. Frequent irrigation and regular fertilising guarantee healthy growth and enduring blooming. Exposure to wind is accepted and Firecracker Plants take both acidic and alkaline ground. It has adapted well to the conditions in Riyadh and planted in masses it makes an attractive area cover on rocky slopes. Maintenance is limited to occasional cutting back to rejuvenate growth every two or three years.
