Fountainbush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Fountainbush |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Russelia
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| Species: |
equisetiformis
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Russelia equisetiformis, the fountainbush, firecracker plant, coral plant, coral fountain, coralblow or fountain plant, is a species of flowering plant in the family Plantaginaceae.
This weeping subshrub is native to Mexico and Guatemala.
The Latin specific epithet means "like Equisetum" (the horse tail rush) - a plant which is only distantly related.
Description
Russelia equisetiformis is a multi-branching plant with 4–5 feet (1.2–1.5 m) long arching branches. The overall graceful form of the subshrub is a fountainesque mound. The stems and tiny oval leaves are bright green. It flowers profusely with small decumbent red flowers. It can bloom year round in tropical and subtropical climates.
It is a very popular nectar plant for hummingbirds and butterflies.
Cultivation
Russelia equisetiformis is cultivated as an ornamental plant, for temperate gardens and in window boxes, pots, and hanging planters. There are also cultivars with ivory white or pink flowers. Flowering is best with a minimum of half a day of sunlight, though the plant grows well in a range of situations.
The plant can be grown as an espalier on a trellis for vertical display, or a balcony—terrace screen (in a pot). It can withstand temperatures down to −6 °C (21 °F). However some authorities assert that it cannot tolerate temperatures below 5 °C (41 °F), and must therefore be kept under glass during the winter months. In colder climates it can overwinter as a houseplant in bright locations.
In cultivation in the UK, It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
See also
In Spanish: Russelia equisetiformis para niños
