Coral plant
Russelia equisetiformis · Plantaginaceae
📷 KENPEI · CC BY-SA 3.0
The gardener's calendar
Coral plant is in full bloom: enjoy it, watch watering in hot weather and let spent flowers feed pollinators before pruning.
ID card
- Common name
- Coral plant
- Family
- Plantaginaceae
- Plant type
- Herbaceous shrub
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fine and filamentous
- Flowering
- May to September, tubular red flowers
- Adult size
- Up to 120 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Low hardy, grow in mild regions or in containers to bring indoors
- Origin
- Mexico
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability medium.
Expert tips
The key tip
Regularly clean away dead or broken stems that block air circulation; this plant grows quickly and fills space, but it loves air movement. Water moderately, especially in pots, as it stores water in its stems.
The common mistake
Overwatering can weaken this plant faster than drought.
The pro's trick
Pinch back the tips of young stems in spring to force bushiness and get a dense, flowering shape; otherwise it becomes too open and leggy.
Care
Moderate watering
Although tolerant of drought, the coral plant appreciates regular watering during the growing season (spring-summer), ideally when the soil begins to dry on the surface. Reduce watering in autumn-winter. Avoid standing water which promotes root rot.
Full sun exposure
Russelia equisetiformis needs very sunny exposure (at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day) to flower abundantly. Lack of light reduces flowering and weakens the plant. In very hot climates, light afternoon shade can be beneficial.
Well-draining soil
Use light, well-draining soil that is slightly fertile. A mix of potting soil, sand and compost works perfectly. The plant dreads standing moisture and tolerates poor soils, as long as drainage is optimal.
Pruning and cleaning
Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to maintain a compact shape and stimulate branching. Remove dead or damaged stems. The plant can become somewhat untidy; gentle pruning helps keep it dense and floriferous.
Moderate fertilizing
Apply a balanced fertilizer or one slightly rich in phosphorus every 15 to 20 days during the flowering period (May-September). Reduce or stop fertilizing in autumn-winter. Excess nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Pests and diseases
The coral plant is generally robust, but can be affected by spider mites in very dry and hot conditions. Watch for mealybugs in indoor cultivation. Root rot appears in case of excess moisture: improve drainage and reduce watering.
Did you know?
Russelia equisetiformis owes its common name 'coral plant' to its tiny bright red tubular flowers that hang down in delicate clusters, reminiscent of the texture and color of marine corals. Native to Mexico, it was already being grown in Victorian botanical gardens of the 19th century, where it fascinated collectors of exotic plants with its airy habit and generous flowering.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.