About
An erect, soft-stemmed subshrub, with softly hairy, matt, dark green leaves to 15cm long. The funnel-shaped rich, purplish-pink flowers to 8cm long are produced singly from the leaf axils in autumn to winter.
About the genus
Ruellia can be perennials or shrubs, with simple, evergreen leaves sometimes attractively veined, and solitary or clustered, funnel-shaped flowers
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun, Partial shade
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
Native toBrazil
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in containers using peat-free, multipurpose compost) in bright filtered light with high humidity. Water freely during the growing season and apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Water moderately in winter. Keep at minimum 12°C
PruningPinch young shoots to encourage branching. Pruning group 10; after flowering
PropagationPropagate by seed; sow seeds at 19-24°C in spring. Take softwood cuttings in spring or early summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free