Russelia equisetiformis

RHS Plant Profile

coral plant

RHS

Other common names

fountain plant, firecracker plant

Synonyms

Russelia juncea

Conservatory Greenhouse

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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

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 5–10 years
Max Spread: 1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height: 1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand

Moisture: Well–drained
pH: Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H1C

Colour & Scent

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Plantaginaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: 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 peat-free, loam-based compost 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