Russelia equisetiformis Schltdl. & Cham.
Frost tender, deciduous, branching sub-shrub with rush-like, erect and pendant stems, very narrow elliptic leaves, to 1.5cm long, falling early, and pendant cymes of tubular scarlet flowers, to 3cm long, from spring to autumn. To 1.5m. [RHSE].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘The appearance of this plant, with its many twiggy, drooping, rush-like, greenish branches, and rich profusion of trumpet-shaped scarlet flowers, was truly splendid in the months of August and September last, in the hothouse at Chatsworth; and what gave it additional effect was the suspension of the pot by wires from one of the rafters, which enabled the branches to pursue their drooping tendency without interruption. […] Found in Mexico by Count Karwinski, and introduced to the gardens of this country from Berlin and Munich.’ [MB p.79/1837]. Introduced to Britain in 1833. [JD].
History at Camden Park
Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [T.914/1850].
Notes
Published Feb 17, 2010 - 09:10 PM | Last updated Feb 17, 2010 - 09:15 PM
Russelia equisetiformis Schltdl. & Cham. | MB p.79/1837 | RBGS
| Family | Scrophulariaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Mexico |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Coral plant, Firecracker plant, Fountain plant |
| Name in the Camden Park Record |
Russellia juncea |
| Confidence level | high |