St. Elmo’s Fire™
Russelia equisetiformis
A favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies, St. Elmo’s Fire™ (Russelia equisetiformis) is a wonderful deep red, desert-adapted, water-wise, easy to care for plant. With flowing flowers, this small shrub has a great trailing form that works well in containers or in the ground.
Hello Barb,
Yes- you want to wait until the danger of frost is over (March) and then trim back what has died.
Thank you,
Cara
My 3 year old plant froze too. I cut it back and it is now coming back beautifully.
Is this native of the Americas? From where? is it xeri?
The russelia is native to Mexico and Guatemala. It is a desert adapted shrub and will tolerate a desert climate. We do recommend it get regular irrigation especially in the summer.
Thank you,
Cara
I purchased one a few days ago and forgot to ask where should it be planted. I am going to put it in a pot so I can move it in the winter. Full, partial sun, watering requirements and whatever info would be of help to me in Tucson.
Thanks
Hi Lois,
The St. Elmo’s Fire does best in full to partial sun.
Water thoroughly and let soil dry a bit in between waterings.
The plant is root hardy to 15° but can get damaged at 32°.
Hope this helps!
Cara
Comments are closed.
I bought one of these last fall and it is in a large container, covered at night when temps are 33 or less..Parts have died, should I trim them back after frost date is over?