Russelia

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.

Pot Cultivation

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.

R. elegantissima

VARIETIES

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