Russelia equisetiformis

Russelia aquisetiformis is nicknamed the Coral Plant or Fountain Plant due to its magnificent weeping habit and its small tubular flowers of bright coral red. They bloom en masse from spring to autumn on green and flexible stems almost devoid of leaves, transforming the plant into a fiery cascade. The Fountain Plant is tender, but very water-efficient. It thrives in full sun, in rockeries or ideally above a dry stone wall in mild regions. It is also a fabulous terrace plant, with a very exotic look, that can be placed in a large pot for winter storage.

The Russelia equisetiformis (synonym Russelia juncea) belongs to the plantain family and is found from Mexico to Guatemala. It is primarily found on the roadside but also in arid plains and sandy clearings. It is a woody-based perennial, very bushy and branched, resembling a horsetail or rush. From the gradually spreading base emerge thin green stems, slightly angular, flexible but very strong, which rise and then fall, reaching about 1m (3ft) in all directions. The base of the stems bears a few small narrow leaves, reducing to simple scales towards the ends of the stems. Flowering begins in May-June and continues until November. A plant sheltered from the cold can flower continuously from March to December. The stems branch out at their ends, producing dense clusters of tubular flowers measuring 1 to 3cm (1in) in length, bright red with a hint of orange, opening into 5 tiny rounded lobes. Vegetation is damaged at -2°C, but a well-established plant will be able to regrow from the base after experiencing a brief frost of -6°C.

This Fountain Plant is preferably placed at a height, allowing for the admiration of its superb cascading vegetation covered in flowers. In mild climates, place it above a dry stone wall, on a slope, or on a rockery that can provide the perfect drainage it requires. Spectacular, this plant alone forms a magnificent decoration. However, you can accompany it with light annuals such as lobelias or nemesias. Plants with grey or white foliage, as well as California poppies, will also be good companions. On the terrace, place it in a large pot, right next to a Cape plumbago; the combination of colours is fantastic!