This 3-foot-tall evergreen shrub bears many tubular, blue or purple, petunia-like flowers on dark stems over a long period. Each flower lasts for just one day. It is a fast grower that may self-seed aggressively. Use in a border, container, or at waterside. Can be grown as an annual in cooler areas.
Noteworthy CharacteristicsPetunia-like flowers from spring to frost. Native to Mexico and the southwestern United States.
CareRuellia needs a warm climate. Site in partial shade and fertile, consistently moist but well-drained soil.
PropagationSeed or softwood cuttings in spring. Self-sows aggressively if conditions are right.
ProblemsNothing serious
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
The Nature of Oaks: The Rich Ecology of Our Most Essential Native Trees
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Pruning Simplified: A Step-by-Step Guide to 50 Popular Trees and Shrubs
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Planting in a Post-Wild World: Designing Plant Communities for Resilient Landscapes
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Genus : Ruellia
- Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
- Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
- Zones : 10, 11, 8, 9
- Uses : Containers
- Bloom Time : Early Fall, Early Summer, Late Spring, Late Summer, Summer
- Growth Rate : Fast
- Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
- Moisture : Medium to Wet
- Maintenance : Moderate
- Plant Type : Perennials
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.