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    • Photo of Ruellia simplex flower by Alan Lorence

    Photo by Alan Lorence

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

    Show all photos

    Ruellia simplex

    Also Known As

    • Ruellia brittoniana
    • Desert Petunia
    • Florida Bluebells
    • Mexican Petunia

    Plant type

    perennial

    size

    • H: 2'-3'
    • W: 2'-3'

    planting zones

    • 8a-10b

    More Options

    Ruellia simplex plant details

    Ruellia simplex is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with green foliage. In summer blue flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular - occasional water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Ruellia simplex

    Plant type: perennial
    Plant family: acanthaceae
    Foliage: evergreen green
    Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
    Flowers: blue blooms in summer
    Uses: border plant, container plant, floriferous

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Ruellia simplex

    USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
    Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
    Watering frequency: regular - occasional
    Resistant to: heat
    Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    Full Sun to Light Shade. Outdoor. Blue & Purplish Flowers.

    By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

    Ruellia brittoniana has dark purple-green foliage covered profusely with delightful blue trumpet shaped flowers..mounding to 6-8 inches..sun to part shade..hardy zone 8

    By: Accents for Home and Garden

    Gardening facts about Ruellia simplex plant

    How to Grow Ruellia simplex

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun - mostly shade

    • Water Needs

      • regular - occasional

    • Soil Needs

      • adaptable
      • average
      • well-drained
      • rich

    • Special Situation

      • heat tolerant

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Flower Color

      • blue

    • Wildlife

      • butterflies
      • hummingbirds

    • Flower Season

      • summer

    • Foliage Season

      • evergreen

    • Texture

      • grassy

    See other plant types of Ruellia for your garden

    Ruellia elegans 'Ragin' Cajun'

    aka Ragin' Cajun False Petunia

    Plant Type

    Perennial

    Zones

    7b-11

    Size

    Height: 2'-4'

    Width: 4'-8'

    • sun - dappled shade
    • regular - occasional
    Photo of Ruellia elegans 'Ragin' Cajun'
    View Plant

    Ruellia makoyana

    aka Monkey Plant, Trailing Velvet Plant

    Plant Type

    Perennial, Groundcover

    Zones

    10a-12

    Size

    Height: 6"-12"

    Width: 15"-18"

    • bright shade - mostly shade
    • even moisture - regular
    Photo of Ruellia makoyana flower by Stan Shebs
    View Plant

    More Options

    Ruellia macrantha

    aka Brazilian Rose, Christmas Pride

    Plant Type

    Perennial

    Zones

    9b-11

    Size

    Height: 5'-6'

    Width: 18"-36"

    • sun - mostly shade
    • even moisture - occasional
    Photo of Ruellia macrantha flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
    View Plant

    More Options

    Ruellia elegans

    aka Brazilian Petunia, Elegant Ruellia, Wild Petunia

    Plant Type

    Perennial

    Zones

    8a-11

    Size

    Height: 1'-2'

    Width: 2'-3'

    • mostly sun - mostly shade
    • even moisture - occasional
    Photo of Ruellia elegans flower by Almost Eden
    View Plant

    More Options

    Ruellia simplex 'Purple Showers'

    aka Ruellia brittoniana 'Purple Showers', Purple Showers Mexican Petunia

    Plant Type

    Perennial, Aquatic

    Zones

    8a-10b

    Size

    Height: 3'-4'

    Width: 2'-3'

    • sun - mostly shade
    • even moisture - occasional
    Photo of Ruellia simplex 'Purple Showers' flower by Almost Eden
    View Plant

    More Options

    +15 more Ruellia
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