Ruellia elegans

Also Known As

Brazilian Petunia
Elegant Ruellia
Wild Petunia

Plant type

perennial

size

H: 1'-2'
W: 2'-3'

planting zones

8a-11

More Options

Ruellia elegans plant details

Ruellia elegans is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with green foliage. In fall and summer red flowers emerge. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with mostly sun - mostly shade and even moisture - occasional water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and humidity tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ruellia elegans

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: acanthaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 1 FT - 2 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in fall and summer
Uses: compact, container plant, easy-to-grow, long-blooming, spreading

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ruellia elegans

USDA Zones: 8a - 11
Sun exposure: mostly sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: even moisture - occasional
Resistant to: heat and humidity
Soil needs: rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Brazilian Petunia or Red Elegans Ruellia has large pubescent leaves that give way to bright red tubular 5 petaled flowers on long slender stems . Withstands high heat and humidity. Attracts hummingbirds, and butterflies and is the good source for Texas Crecent Butterfly. Grows 12-18" tall and spreads 18" . Hardy zone 8-10. Likes sun to part shade.

By: Accents for Home and Garden

A compact growing perennial producing 1" deep red tubular blooms from late spring to fall. A very tough and 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.

By: Almost Eden

Much adored by those who’ve grown it “Elegant Ruellia” is a showstopper of a perennial in the part-shade garden. GORGEOUS luminous red trumpet-shaped flowers appear 5-6 on each branching wand from MAY TILL FROST! Good news for the butterflies & hummers who love them! To 2’ tall & up to 3’ across with attractive sage-like leaves held on branching stems, this Ruellia well tolerates heat & humidity & is NOT INVASIVE like some of its cousins. Reliably perennial, just provide with part or dappled shade, rich loose soil & average moisture. Fabulous in a container or plant it where you can admire its dazzling non-stop display! Goes deciduous at 28 °F.