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Botanical name: Russelia sarmentosa
This broadleaf variety produces dense clusters of striking red-orange tubular flowers at the end of gracefully arching stalks; flowers better in full sun and is drought tolerant once established; great for containers and baskets.
| Hardiness zone | 8b |
|---|---|
| Flower color | scarlet |
| Foliage type | evergreen |
| Plant form | arching |
| Mature height | 3 feet (4 feet with the flowers) |
| Spread | 24 inches |
| Light requirements | full sun to partial shade |
| Moisture requirements | average to moist |
| Plant origin | import |
Broadleaf Firecracker Plant features showy spikes of scarlet tubular flowers with orange overtones rising above the foliage from late winter to late fall. It has green foliage. The oval leaves remain green throughout the winter. The fruit is not ornamentally significant.
Broadleaf Firecracker Plant is a dense multi-stemmed evergreen shrub with a shapely form and gracefully arching branches. Its relatively fine texture sets it apart from other landscape plants with less refined foliage.
This is a relatively low maintenance shrub, and should be cut back in late fall in preparation for winter. It is a good choice for attracting hummingbirds to your yard. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Broadleaf Firecracker Plant is recommended for the following landscape applications;
Mass Planting, General Garden Use, Container Planting, Hanging Baskets
Broadleaf Firecracker Plant will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity extending to 4 feet tall with the flowers, with a spread of 24 inches. It tends to fill out right to the ground and therefore doesn't necessarily require facer plants in front. It grows at a fast rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years.
This shrub does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil type or pH. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is not originally from North America. It can be propagated by division.
Broadleaf Firecracker Plant makes a fine choice for the outdoor landscape, but it is also well-suited for use in outdoor containers and hanging baskets. Because of its height, it is often used as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when grown in a container, it may not perform exactly as indicated on the tag - this is to be expected. Also note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.
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