Botanical name
Russelia equisetiformus
Common name
Coral Plant, Fountain Bush
Coral Plant description
Russelia equisetiformus is fast growing, evergreen shrub with long, pendulous stems that produce red tubular flowers almost all year round. The stems appear leafless.
Native to Mexico, they are popular as spillover plants on retaining walls and banks but also make a very good addition as a groundcover, particularly in dry gardens. Once established, they are tolerant of harsher conditions and can quite often be seen in street plantings where they do not receive a lot of attention.
Coral Plant grows to approximately 2m high and 4m wide and tolerates less than average soils.
Climate
Warm temperate, sub-tropical, tropical
Plant cultivation and care
Russelia equisetiformus are frost tender and are best suited to warm climates in a full sun position. Water fairly well in Summer until established. After that, they will tolerate long, dry periods well.
Plant use
Retaining walls, banks, hanging baskets, groundcover, dry gardens, low maintenance gardens, coastal gardens
Pruning
Old flowering stems can be removed at any time.
Pests and diseases
No specific pests and diseases.
