Russelia equisetiformis

Russelia equisetiformis, the fountainbush,[1] firecracker plant, coral plant, coral fountain, coralblow or fountain plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae.

Russelia equisetiformis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Asterids
Order: Lamiales
Family: Plantaginaceae
Genus: Russelia
Species:
R. equisetiformis
Binomial name
Russelia equisetiformis
Synonyms

This weeping subshrub is native to Mexico and Guatemala.[2]

The Latin specific epithet means "like Equisetum" (the horse tail rush) - a plant which is only distantly related.

Description

Russelia equisetiformis is a multi-branching plant with 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 m) long arching branches.[2] The overall graceful form of the subshrub is a fountainesque mound. The stems and tiny oval leaves are bright green. It flowers profusely with small decumbent red flowers. It can bloom year round in tropical and subtropical climates.[2]

It is a very popular nectar plant for hummingbirds and butterflies.

Cultivation

Russelia equisetiformis is cultivated as an ornamental plant, for temperate gardens and in window boxes, pots, and hanging planters.[2] There are also cultivars with ivory white or pink flowers. Flowering is best with a minimum of half a day of sunlight, though the plant grows well in a range of situations.

The plant can be grown as an espalier on a trellis for vertical display, or a balcony—terrace screen (in a pot). It can withstand temperatures down to −6 °C (21 °F). However some authorities assert that it cannot tolerate temperatures below 5 °C (41 °F), and must therefore be kept under glass during the winter months.[3] In colder climates it can overwinter as a houseplant in bright locations.[2]

In cultivation in the UK, It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.[3][4]

References
  1. USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Russelia equisetiformis". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
  2. San Marcos Growers horticultural database: Russelia equisetiformis . accessed 12.18.2013
  3. "RHS Plantfinder - Russelia equisetiformis". Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  4. "AGM Plants - Ornamental" (PDF). Royal Horticultural Society. July 2017. p. 93. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
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