The lazy days of summer have hit. It is undoubtedly hot, and it shows in peaked plants and people. Take some time to cool off this holiday and plan a few choirs for early morning or later in the day when the heat has lessened a bit. Just be sure to protect yourself from mosquitoes and the blazing sun. One of the chores on my list is to ensure my fireworks are silent to protect the garden, neighbors, and local wildlife.
Happy Independence Day! I hope your plans include safely gathering with friends and family or attending a local commercial fireworks display. Long-time readers of this column know I strongly advocate for letting the professionals handle the fireworks and keep our homes and neighborhoods quiet for those who are sincerely troubled, terrified, and panicked by the flash, bang, and loud noise.
Firecrackers for your garden can be found in Russelia equisetiformis, AKA Firecracker Plant, Coral Plant, or Fountain Bush. This lovely plant has a mounding or weeping habit perfect for bank stabilization. This is a large plant and needs plenty of space to grow. Firecracker plant is covered with red or coral tubular flowers most of the year. The flowers are at the ends of the branches and terminate in an explosion of small petals. The flowers are long-lasting and put on a show that rivals any Fourth of July fireworks.
This plant is not particular in soil requirements as long as it is well-drained with a little organic matter. Water well to establish; afterward, it is moderately to very drought tolerant but looks best with occasional water application if the weather is dry.
Large mounding plants can be challenging to place in the landscape. They tend to be fast-growing, a good thing, but can quickly out-grow their assigned space. Firecracker plant and other large viney plants are best treated like a vine; install them with support or in large areas where they can grow to their actual size and form. Though very prunable, the firecracker plant can grow to large 4 to 6-foot tall mounds and is ugly when pruned into geometric shapes.
Firecracker plant has been used in landscapes for generations. What can beat a tough plant with long-lasting flowers that light up the landscape like sparklers? Use Firecracker plant as an informal hedge or border – as long as there is enough width for the plant to grow. It is beautiful in containers draped down the sides and in hanging baskets.
Veterans, children, survivors of gun violence, anyone struggling with PTSD, pets, and wildlife all suffer and sometimes are further traumatized by the noise and flash from fireworks. Enjoy fireworks at commercial destinations if you must see a few shot into the sky. Let’s keep our communities quiet for them. Enjoy silent fireworks for the garden and others this July.
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