In this post we will talk about a plant that is increasingly being used in sustainable gardening; it is Russelia equisetiformis. A plant from the Scrophulariaceae family native to Mexico. This species has many common names, some of the most used are Coral Plant, Tears of Love or Coral Rain. The name Russelia is dedicated to Alexander Russel, a botanist who lived in the 18th century.
Russelia is a compact shrub, evergreen, that can reach about 60/80 centimeters high by 80/100 centimeters wide. As we can see it is a plant wider than it is tall, its habit is open, hanging and highly branched. Its leaves are very small and variable, that is, in the lower part of the plant we find lanceolate leaves and in the upper part we see leaves reduced to small scales; their arrangement is whorled or opposite. Having small leaves, its stems are also green, meaning they are photosynthetically active.
Very attractive plant for its coral red flowering. It is a very prolonged flowering, as it begins approximately in the month of April and ends in November in our latitudes. Tubular-shaped flowers about 2/3 centimeters long, pollinated by butterflies, and by hummingbirds in its endemic country.
Image of Russelia equisetiformis ; Source: www.delonixlandscapedesign.com
It is a species belonging to hardiness zone number 9, with an average annual minimum temperature range of -6.6 / -1.2°C, showing little resistance to strong frosts.
Russelia equisetiformis is a species that should be planted in full sun, this way we will obtain spectacular flowering. It lives well in acidic, basic and neutral soils. It tolerates clay, sandy and loamy textures. It prefers good drainage. It grows well in relatively moist soils; although it is drought resistant, it appreciates occasional watering in the driest times of the year. The use of any type of fertilizer is not necessary.
It is an ideal plant for planting on slopes and at the top of walls to enjoy its hanging habit. It is even suitable for growing in pots for balconies and terraces (in these conditions watering will become essential for the survival of this species).
Image of Russelia equisetiformis; Source: www.alpinenurseries.com.au
The recommended planting density is 3 to 4 plants per m2 and we recommend the months of September to June for planting, always avoiding the summer months as the plants could suffer strong water stress.
It is undoubtedly a plant that we recommend using in your gardens and terraces, as it will surely give you optimal aesthetic results.