Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
Conservatory Greenhouse

Russelia equisetiformis
  • RHS AGM

coral plant

R. equisetiformis is a broom-like evergreen shrub with arching stems to 1m or more, bearing small leaves which soon fall; flowers 3cm long, tubular, scarlet, in pendent clusters, opening from spring to autumn

Other common names
fountain plant
firecracker plant
Synonyms
Russelia juncea
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Red Green
Summer Red Green
Autumn Red Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Plantaginaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Russellia can be evergreen or deciduous shrubs, with arching stems bearing usually scale-like leaves and tubular red, pink or white flowers in axillary clusters

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Mexico

How to grow

Cultivation

In containers under glass grow in a loam-based compost such as John Innes No.2 with added grit or sharp sand in full or filtered light. Water moderately when in growth and apply balanced liquid feed monthly. Water sparingly in winter. May be placed outdoors in summer in a sunny sheltered spot

Propagation

Divide rooted layers in spring. Take softwood cuttings all year round

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

Pruning group 9

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.