Russelia - Coral Blow, Coral Plant, Firecracker Plant, Fountain Plant

(Russel'ia)

DESCRIPTION: These frost-tender, shrubby perennials (Coral Blow) are natives of tropical America and Mexico. They grow 3 feet or more in height with a spread of 2 feet. The tiny, dark green leaves are scale-like, growing on thin, rush-like stems. In the summer and fall, a profusion of small, tubular, scarlet flowers are borne in hanging clusters. Coral Blows are great for hanging baskets.

POTTING: These plants need a minimum temperature of 60 degrees. In cold climates, they can be cultivated in homes or greenhouses in light, well-drained potting mix or humus-rich soil; a soil mixture consisting of equal parts of loam, leaf mold and peat, with a bit of sand added, is suitable. They should have a sunny or partially shady location. These plants can be pruned in early spring to keep them shapely.

PROPAGATION: They can be increased by division or stem cuttings in the spring. Side shoots are taken off with a heel and inserted in sand in a propagating case with bottom heat. When they've formed roots, they are placed in 3-inch pots and eventually in larger ones. They may also be increased by rooted layers. The shoots are notched just below a joint, about 3 inches from the ends, and pegged down into a pan of moist, sandy soil.

VARIETIES: R. elegantissima; R. equisetiformis (Coral Plant/Firecracker Plant/Fountain Plant); R. sarmentosa.

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