Family: Scrophulariaceae
Common Name: Coral Plant

There are around 50 species in this genus of evergreen shrubs, native to Cuba, Mexico and Colombia. They have pendulous branches and are almost continuously in flower, hence suitable for hanging baskets. The flowers come in red, mottled red, pink or white. They are also popular greenhouse plants in cold areas. In warm regions, they are used as spillover plants on banks and walls, forming good groundcover.

Species

R. equisetiformis, coral plant, fountain plant or fountain bush, is a smooth shrub, to 1.2 m (4 ft), with pendulous branches and small, red, narrowly tubular flowers, borne in small clusters along the stems. A native of Mexico, it is cultivated widely in warm areas of the world.

R. sarmentosa, from Central to South America, grows to 2 m (6 ft) high, with 8 cm (3 in) long, ovate, toothed leaves and dense clusters of red flowers.

Cultivation

Russellias can be grown in a cool to intermediate greenhouse or conservatory in frost-prone climates. Grow in pots or baskets of soil-based potting compost. Provide good light, but shade from strong sun. Water well in summer but less in winter. In the garden, plants need well-drained soil with plenty of humus, and a sheltered position, with full sun. Lightly trim in mid-spring to ensure shapely plants. Once russellias are growing strongly, they tolerate long, dry periods well. Propagate in spring from softwood cuttings in a heated propagating case, or by layering stems.

Climate

Zone 9 to 10.