Manual of Riyadh Plants

GENERAL

Origin

Mediterranean,

sub-tropical,

tropical

Vigour

fast growing

Humidity

semi-arid, semi-

humid

Propagation :

cuttings

Maintenance :

moderate

CONDITIONS

Dessication :

vulnerable

Stagnant water :

vulnerable

Irrigation

medium

Salinity/ppm :

moderate (1800

ppm)

Hardiness

-9°C

SHAPE

Type

shrub

Height

1 m-3 m

Spread

1.5 m-4 m

Foliage

evergreen

FLOWER

Colour

bright red

Size

6 cm - 10 cm

Period

May - September

FRUIT

Type of fruit :

berry

Fruit size

1 cm - 1.5 cm

This Mexican native shrub has arching branches reaching almost 3 metres in height. Red Ce-

strum develops large numbers of tubular, bright-red flowers in dense clusters on the twigs’ ends

that attract butterflies. The pretty display lasts from spring to early autumn. Pollinated flowers de-

velop violet-coloured berries that attract birds. The evergreen leaves are lance-shaped and hirsute.

High temperatures are no problem as long as soil moisture is plentiful. Alkaline soil may result

in cholorotic foliage. Yellow leaves may also be caused by full sun in unfavourable conditions.

The ground should be fertile and well drained. Light pruning can be done at any time of the year.

Low temperatures are tolerated down to –9°C, but prolonged periods of frost may harm the lea-

ves. They quickly recover in spring, since the shrub responds well to feeding. Pruning should be

performed during dormancy, but the shrub tolerates clipping at any time to keep a neat shape. For

this purpose, pinching out the tips of young branches is appropriate. C. elegans should not be ex-

posed to drying winds, which may cause necrotic leaf-margins. Regular irrigation in summer is

vital, but should be reduced in winter. Red Cestrum makes an accent bush in mixed borders both

in private and public gardens. It grows well in containers when drainage, feeding and irrigation

are well maintained. Flowering branches last quite long as cut flowers. Propagation is generally

performed by softwood cuttings that need some shelter to retain moisture.

Cestrum elegans,

Solanaceae

Red Cestrum