Russelia Equisetiformis

Fountain Bush / Coral Plant / Firecracker Plant / Coral Fountain / Red Bells

Botanical Name: Russelia equisetiformis
Family: Plantaginaceae
Origin: Mexico (native)
Plant Type: Groundcover

Overview

Russelia equisetiformis is a cascading, fountain-like perennial that thrives in Adelaide’s Mediterranean climate. Arching, rush-like green stems spill beautifully over walls and banks, smothered for much of the year in tubular coral-red flowers that light up the garden and draw nectar-feeding birds. Ideal for low-maintenance mass planting, soft edging and feature pots in warm, sunny spots.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 0.8–1.5 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 coral-red tubes most of spring–autumn; spot-flowering in warm winters
  
• Seasonal Interest: Long-season colour with peak displays in warm months
• Wildlife Value: Nectar-rich blooms attract honeyeaters and butterflies; supports pollinators
• Tolerance: Drought-tolerant once established; Heat- and Coastal-tolerant; Light frost tolerant (top growth may scorch below –2 to –3 °C, 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; improves clay 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; 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 vivid, bird-magnet flowers with almost no fuss—Russelia gives instant movement, colour and texture in hot, exposed Adelaide sites. Tough, heat- and coastal-tolerant, it spills and softens hard edges while staying neat with a simple yearly trim.