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Coral Fountain
Russelia equisetiforis
In stock
1 gallon
Plant Care
Native region:
Desert Adapted
Water needs:
Moderate
Exposure:
Mature size:
Growth rate:
Full Sun; Filtered Sun
3’x4-5’
Fast
Flower color:
Flower season:
Pruning:
Coral-Red
Spring-Summer
Prune early spring to promote new growth
Wildlife
Monarchs:
No
Nectar pollinators:
Yes
Nighttime pollinators:
No
Rabbit resistant:
No
This native of Mexico has naturalized in Florida and other tropical locations. Surprisingly, it has also performed extremely well in the hot deserts of the Southwest. In the low deserts its long, arching branches form a dense mound to about 3 feet tall by 4 to 5 feet wide. The weeping branches are bright green, with very few leaves. In the warm months, these branches are loaded with tubular coral-red flowers. Coral Fountain is very adaptable, handling full sun and shady exposures. Although it is quite drought tolerant, It is also notably salt tolerant and responds to regular fertilizer applications. Use Coral Fountain on steep banks, cascading over walls and planters, and clustered around water features.
Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information
The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on my research from reliable sources, observations I have made of plants growing in my, and other gardens I have visited, and observations of the plants in their native habitats. I would appreciate your feedback and experience to help me educate others!
Cacti: In my experience, cacti are much happier in the filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Colors are more vibrant and they bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you pay attention to how our native barrel and beavertail opuntia grow in the wild, it is frequently tucked in the rocks under creosote or another shrub.
Light Requirements: I have found that in our desert (Sonoran/Colorado) “full sun” plants can take and appreciate the late afternoon filtered sun, especially in the hot summer months.