Ruellia elegans (Red ruellia)

Ruellia is a genus of very hardy, well-adapted flowers, or extremely invasive plants, depending on the climate and a gardener's tolerances. They are perennials and, as the seed pods dry, they spring open, casting seeds several feet. With a high germination rate, small colonies can spread fairly rapidly. Ruellia elegans producing deep red tubular blooms from late spring to fall. A very tough a durable perennial which spreads slowly and will create a groundcover in time. It seems to perform best in a loose rich fertile soil, and is fairly drought tolerant once established. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds.