The Spectacular Firecracker
THE plant known informally as the Firecracker is a flowering plant which in bloom looks like fireworks bursting from a shrubby foliage. Known scientifically as the Ruselia equisetiformis, the Firecracker is a genus of the plantain family, Plantaginaceae, and is tropical and native to Mexico.
The name honours Scottish naturalist Alexander Russell (1715–1768), and members of the genus are commonly known as Firecracker plants, or Coralblows.

Characteristics
Firecracker plants, available locally, form a bushy sub-shrub of up to a foot high, spreading to a similar or greater width.
The plant forms a mound of cascading stems, with needle-like green leaves tipped by slender, tubular (most often) bright red flowers which have a contrasting black band at their tips.
The plant acquired its name from the way the tubular blooms blast up and out in all different directions from their base, creating the impression of a sparkler going off. This vegetative “waterfall” is sometimes also called ‘the cigar plant’ or ‘the fountain plant’.
Firecracker plants are generally reputed to make great ground cover, because they spread out nicely and bloom continually.
Another reason many gardeners enjoy firecracker plants is because they attract butterflies, bees, and many types of birds, including hummingbirds that feed on the flowers’ nectar.

Good choice
The firecracker grows quickly and is easy to cultivate. Its ease of care makes it a very good choice for even beginner gardeners. Firecracker plants grow to a typical height of approximately two feet, but some specimens can reach heights of four or five feet under the right conditions.
The firecracker is quite drought tolerant, making it ideal for hanging baskets. It does well on the patio, or indoors in front of a window.
Outdoors, the plant can be allowed to spill over a wall, or be raised in a bed. Stems can be tied to a trellis or wall.
The firecracker is also commonly used to hide unattractive retaining walls or fences, because it grows quickly and has dense foliage. Moreover, it can be used as an edging plant for borders.
All types of the firecracker plant are also good container plants, with growth flowing over the edges of hanging baskets, window boxes, or other planters.
Branches can be cut and used in flower arrangements.

Availability
The firecracker, or Ruselia equisetiformis, is available only at the # 1 Plant Shop on Sheriff Street, Campbellville (Tele #227-8094). Prices range from $500 to $2500, depending on the size of the plant.
Some advice to plantaholics: To get this plant to make its best impression, grow it in full sun. This will cause it to grow lush and thick, and promote heavy bloom.
Firecracker plants like to be in full sun or partial shade, so take this into consideration when deciding where to place your firecracker.
Some shade is okay, but the plant should mainly be cultivated in direct sunlight.