I had a lady send me a 4' pot of Red Firecracker Fern which she says is covered with 1" red tubular fowers It is hardy 8b, 9, 10, 11. Has anyone ever seen this. Its new to me but I will find a place for it.

Hi Itre,

to ATP!

I sounds like you have a Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis)

It's not actually a fern, but a flowering plant (true ferns don't have flowers.)

I can grow it here as a tender perennial that needs to be brought inside during the winter. I've heard it can be a little aggressive in places like Florida where it is hardy.

It's a sun-loving plant with lovely weeping stems that are usually festooned with bright reddish-orange flowers. The weeping habit of the plant looks really great in a tall and large container. The hummingbirds also love this plant so be sure to plant it where you can observe their antics (only if you live in the Americas, of course.)

If you'd like some more specific advice from gardeners in a similar climate, it would be great to give us your general location and/or details on your climate.

@dave - you may want to move this thread to the tropicals forum where Itre may get more feedback.

@Itre Welcome! Danita is correct. The Firecracker Plant (Russelia equisetiformis) is not a fern, but looks a little like one. In addition to the red variety, there is a yellow one also. Here in Austin, TX, they die back in winter, but shoot right up again in March. I just trim off the dead, dried fronds. Once established, they seem to thrive with little care. AND the deer don't seem to care for them. That's a big plus for us! they are easy to start from a cutting.

HI Itre,

Welcome to All Things Plants from me too! Firecracker Plant was my first thought too and I've heard another common name for it is Firecracker Fern.