Coral Fountain Grass

Plant Type: ornamental grass
Plant Height: 3-5 feet
Spread: 3-5 feet
Flower Color: coral-red, orange
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Coral Fountain Grass (Russelia equisetiformis) – Perfect for Adding Tropical Charm to Arizona Gardens

Coral Fountain Grass, also known as Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis), is a stunning perennial shrub that can thrive in the warm, arid climates of Arizona. Known for its unique cascading growth and vibrant blooms, this plant brings a lush, tropical feel to gardens and outdoor spaces. Originating from Mexico, it’s an ideal choice for adding low-maintenance color and texture to landscapes.

Key Features of Coral Fountain Grass

1. Striking Coral-Red or Orange Blooms
   Coral Fountain Grass produces a profusion of tubular, coral-red or orange flowers that bloom almost year-round in warm climates. These bright, firecracker-like blooms stand out beautifully against the green, rush-like stems, adding a vivid pop of color that attracts hummingbirds and pollinators.

2. Elegant Fountain-Like Growth Habit
   The arching, fountain-like stems create a cascading waterfall effect, making Coral Fountain Grass a visually captivating addition to garden beds, borders, and containers. Its slender, rush-like stems add an airy, graceful touch to the landscape, making it perfect for adding movement and texture.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Arizona Landscapes

Coral Fountain Grass is well-adapted to the Arizona climate, thriving in both residential and commercial landscapes:

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun for optimal blooming but can tolerate partial shade.
• Soil: Thrives in well-drained soil and adapts well to rocky or sandy desert soils.
• Water: Once established, it is drought-tolerant, making it an excellent choice for water-wise and xeriscaped gardens.

Landscaping Uses

This versatile plant works beautifully in various garden settings:

• Ground Cover or Mass Planting: Coral Fountain Grass can create a lush carpet of color, perfect for ground cover or mass plantings.
• Containers and Hanging Baskets: Use it in containers or hanging baskets to take advantage of its cascading growth, where it can spill elegantly over edges.
• Borders and Walls: The plant’s graceful, arching habit is ideal for softening borders and spilling over low walls.

Easy Maintenance

Coral Fountain Grass is a hardy, low-maintenance choice for Arizona gardens:

• Pruning: Minimal pruning is required, although trimming back after flowering encourages fresh growth.
• Drought Resistance: Once established, Coral Fountain Grass requires little water, making it well-suited for sustainable gardening.

Order Coral Fountain Grass from Three Timbers Shop

Enhance your Arizona garden with the tropical charm and year-round color of Coral Fountain Grass. Order from ThreeTimbersShop.com to bring vibrant, low-maintenance beauty to your Phoenix Valley landscape. Whether used in containers, as ground cover, or spilling over walls, Coral Fountain Grass offers striking color and texture perfect for desert-inspired and water-efficient gardens.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Coral Fountain Grass

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart to allow for optimal growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Coral Fountain Grass is a clumping ornamental grass that does not require staking

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 2-3 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1 inch of water per session for deep watering around the roots

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Coral Fountain Grass is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour for slow, deep watering
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even water distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: Increase watering in the summer to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks