Russelia Equisetiformis 'Lemon Falls'

Coral Plant 'Lemon Falls' / Firecracker Plant 'Lemon Falls'

Botanical Name: Russelia equisetiformis 'Lemon Falls'
Family: Plantaginaceae
Origin: Mexico (Americas)
Plant Type: Groundcover

Overview

Russelia equisetiformis 'Lemon Falls' is a cascading, fountain-like perennial that thrives in Adelaide’s Mediterranean climate. Arching, rush-like stems spill over walls and banks, smothered for months with tubular lemon-yellow flowers that light up hot, sunny spots and draw nectar-feeding birds. Ideal for low-maintenance mass planting, soft edging and feature pots.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.8–1.2 m H x 1–2 m W (arching, cascading habit)
• Growth Rate: 20-40 (spread) cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Fine, rush-like evergreen stems; fresh to mid-green, softly textural
• Flowers: Profuse lemon-yellow tubes mainly spring–autumn; occasional winter spot flowering in warm years
  
• Seasonal Interest: Long-season colour with peak displays in the warmer months
• Wildlife Value: Nectar-rich blooms attract honeyeaters, butterflies and pollinators
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established; Heat- and Coastal-tolerant; Light frost tolerant (top growth may scorch below –2 to –3 °C but reshoots in spring)
• Planting Density: Mass planting: 3–5 plants per m² depending on spread
• Pet Friendly: Yes — generally regarded as non-toxic to pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun for best flowering; tolerates light part shade
• Soil: Well-drained loam or sandy loam; on heavier clay, improve with gypsum and coarse grit; avoid waterlogging
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks. Established: deep soak every 7–14 days in summer (more often in heatwaves); rarely in winter if dry
• Maintenance: Mulch in spring; shear or cut back by up to one-third in late winter to refresh and keep tidy; light feed in early spring
• Lifespan: 10-15 years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas; give frost protection in colder Hills pockets
• Soil pH: Slightly acid to neutral; tolerates mildly alkaline coastal soils

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Cascade over retaining walls, rockeries and raised beds; superb poolside softener
• Mass on sunny banks for a flowing, weed-suppressing groundcover and erosion control
• Feature in large pots or courtyard beds; pair with lomandra, westringia and kangaroo paws for a vibrant, water-wise look

Why You Will Love It

Months of cheerful lemon blooms with minimal fuss. ‘Lemon Falls’ brings movement, colour and nectar for birds while thriving in Adelaide’s heat and coastal conditions—and it stays neat with just a simple yearly trim.