White Firecracker Bush – Russelia equisetiformis ‘Alba’

General Landscape Uses: Container, specimen plant Ecological Restoration Notes: It is used in “Naturescaping” to provide nectar sources in urban environments where native nectar may be scarce. Description: A weeping, multi-branched subshrub with slender, rush-like green stems. While the species is famous for red flowers, the ‘Alba’ cultivar features delicate white blooms. Its “leaves” are actually tiny scales, giving it a fine-textured, airy appearance. Dimensions: Height 3 – 5 ft.; Spread 4 – 6 ft. Growth Rate: Fast Native Range: Mexico and Guatemala Native Habitats: Often found on cliffs, rocky slopes, and banks where it can drape naturally. Soils: Well-drained, sand, loam, rock, neutral, slightly alkaline Nutritional Requirements: Low to moderate Salt Water Tolerance: Low Salt Wind Tolerance: Moderate Drought Tolerance: High Light Requirements: Full to part sun Flower Color: White Flower Characteristics: Small, tubular, bell-shaped flowers that hang in clusters along the arching stems. Flowering Season: All year Fruit: Inconspicuous small capsules Wildlife and Ecology: A magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies (especially the Long-tailed Skipper). The tubular shape is perfectly evolved for long-tongued pollinators. Horticultural Notes: Grown from layering, division, cuttings Comments: