Ruellia - Plant Encyclopedia Results

This is a rare winter blooming tropical ruellia with showy 2 inch wide scarlet flowers. Unusual for a ruellia, this is a vining shrub. Pinching out shoot tips will cause it to throw out lateral stems to form a more bushy plant to 3 feet. But, it also can be trained up a support to grow more vinelike. It blooms on older ripened growth. So give it time, light shade, adequate moisture, and warm temperatures. It sports 5 inch short-petioled elliptic leaves. Native to Bahia, Brazil, where it is found in moist forests.

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.

Ruellia macrantha (Christmas Pride ruellia) is a small plant that can grow between 2-5 ft tall. It is native to Brazil and hardy to USDA Zone 9-11. It requires full sun and regular water to thrive. It enjoys moderate water during the hot months and is fairly drought tolerant.

Ruellia macrantha is also known for its attractive flowers. The large, deep pink, trumpet-shaped blooms that measure 3 inch in length have a contrasting darker vein pattern and appear from fall through to winter. This splash of color is a beautiful addition to the garden and it is known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

It is best grown in fertile, well-draining soil, however, it is adaptable to a variety of soils. Where temperatures dip below freezing, it is best to grow Ruellia macrantha in a container and bring it indoors during winter months. When grown indoors, it should be placed in a bright spot and watered moderately. Provide the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and water it more often. To promote flowering, cut back the stems in the spring and reduce humidity to prevent powdery mildew.

Ruellia portellae is very similar to Ruellia makoyana. R. makoyana is a little more compact and has slightly brighter carmine flowers than R. portellae.

Ruellia is a large genus of flowering plants in the family Acanthaceae. It includes several hundred species distributed from tropical to temperate regions of the world. Depending on the species, Ruellia can be a large shrub up to 10 feet tall, or a small shrub 2-5 feet tall. They have a wide variety of flower colors, including pink, white or off-white, blue, lavender, purple and red or crimson.

Ruellia plants prefer full sun, but they can tolerate partial shade. They are fairly drought tolerant, but will perform better with regular water. They prefer well-drained soil and are hardy in USDA Zones 9-11.

When growing Ruellia indoors or in cold regions, it is best to keep it in a large pot with plenty of drainage. Place the pot in a sunny spot, and water regularly. If the temperature is too cold, you may need to move the pot indoors. Ruellia plants are not frost-tolerant and can be damaged by temperatures below freezing.

Overall, Ruellia is a beautiful and low-maintenance plant that is sure to add color and charm to your garden. It is a great choice for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, and is sure to provide plenty of enjoyment for many years to come.

Small glossy green leaves, deep blue bell shaped flowers nearly all year.

This is a very popular landscaping plant in Arizona and it is considered an evergreen shrub.

The most exclusive tropical Christmas flower!

Ruellia colorata, known as Colorama, is a rare and vibrant addition to any exotic container plant collection. Its brilliant scarlet bracts color up just in time for Christmas, staying bright carmine for several months. Native to Brazil, this small plant grows 2-4 feet tall, displaying vivid scarlet bracts and crimson flowers that add a touch of holiday cheer.

One of Colorama's most striking features is its photoperiodic response: the top leaves turn crimson red around Christmas due to changes in daylight length, much like the beloved Poinsettia. After winter, these leaves return to green, keeping the plant lively and versatile year-round. Photoperiodism, the process where plants respond to the length of day and night, triggers changes such as leaf coloration or flowering.

Its blooms are a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds, making it a favorite for wildlife enthusiasts. Colorama thrives in shady to semi-shady spots and requires regular watering to stay lush and healthy. It's ideal for USDA zones 9-11 but can also be grown in colder regions if protected from frost. For winter care in cooler climates, move it indoors or to a warm area to keep this stunning beauty happy and blooming.

When grown in pots, ensure good drainage, use rich organic soil, and place the plant in a bright location. Prune twice a year to maintain its compact, bushy shape, and fertilize with a flowering fertilizer once established.