About
A spreading, evergreen perennial to 60cm, with purple ovate leaves veined with silvery-grey, brighter purple beneath; flowers 5cm long, funnel-shaped, bright pink.
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 pHNeutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectWest-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1B
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesPatio and container plants
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 (66-75°F) in spring. Take softwood cuttings in spring or early summer
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free