Common name: |
Firecracker plant, Coral plant |
Botanical Name: |
Russelia equisetiformis |
Family: |
Scrophularicaceae |
Foliage: |
The tiny, dark green leaves are scale-like and grow on thin, rush-like stems. |
Flowers: |
Russelia produces hanging clusters of scarlet tubular flowers about an inch long that look like little firecrackers. There is a species which produces light yellow flowers. |
Light: |
Plant in a location which gets full sun. |
Temperature: |
The plant requires a warm temperature. |
Soil: |
It needs a well-drained potting mix or humus rich soil, a soil mix consisting of equal parts of loam and peat moss with sand added for drainage. |
Humidity: |
The Plant can tolerate extended drought once established. |
Watering: |
Keep the soil moist, well drained. |
Pest and Problems: |
Russelia equisetiformis is occasionally bothered by chewing insects, nematodes, and mites. |
Growth habit: |
Coral plant is fast-growing, easy to cultivate and blooms almost continuously. They grow 3 feet or more in height with a spread of 2 feet. |
Fertilizing: |
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer every 2 weeks year around. |
Pruning: |
These plants can be pruned in early to keep them shapely. The dry twigs of the plants should also be removed regularly. |
Propagation: |
Propagation is done by dividing the plant and from tip cuttings. |
Landscaping Utility: |
Let coral plant spill over a wall or raised bed. It can also be used as an unclipped hedge. The distance of planting should be 1 foot c/c. |
Uses: |
Hanging basket, mass planting, container plant, rock gardens |
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