RUSSELIA juncea alba

Pretty small evergreen shrub, very ornamental and with a typical prostrate bearing. Native to Mexico, it can quickly grow and lift from the ground up to 1m height and develop in the same way or a little more in width. The long flexible branches that branch off from the base are thin, green, fleshy and extremely branched; at first erect and then with an arched and prostrate posture, they are covered with small lanceolate leaves of a bright green color. Between spring and autumn, it is covered with a myriad of small tubular white-cream flowers that sprout above all at the apex of the most vigorous branches.

It is an easy-care plant, it prefers sunny and bright locations, because in the shade it will grow less abundant and its flowering will be less striking. It is suitable to any type of soil even if it prefers fertile, humus-rich and well-drained ones. Once established and developed it tolerates drought but abundant and regular irrigations during the vegetative period will improve the appearance of the plant and favor its rich flowering. It does not tolerate intense frost which can damage the entire upper part of the plant. In any case it will sprout again from the base with the first spring warmth and it is best to place it sheltered from the wind. During the vegetative restart it is possible to slightly prune this plant by removing the damaged, dry and old parts and shortening the others to favor branching and obtain denser and flowering plants. It is perfect for containers and vases especially hanging ones where it will show its beautiful hanging look; in the open ground it becomes very spectacular if placed on a wall from which its flexible branches can hang, creating a wonderful flowery fountain.