Photo of Ruellia chartacea flower by Karl Gercens III

Photo by Karl Gercens III

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Ruellia chartacea

Also Known As

  • Ruellia colorata
  • LOBSTER CLAW
  • Wild Petunia

Plant type

perennial

size

  • H: 4'-6'
  • W: 3'-6'

planting zones

  • 9b-11

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Ruellia chartacea plant details

Ruellia chartacea is a broadleaf evergreen perennial with green foliage. In fall, spring, summer and winter orange and red flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and regular water. Does well in average and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ruellia chartacea

Plant type: perennial
Plant family: acanthaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT - 6 FT - wide, 4 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: orange and red blooms in fall, spring, summer and winter
Uses: container plant, houseplant, tropical-looking, unique, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ruellia chartacea

USDA Zones: 9b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: regular
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

LOBSTER CLAW - A tropical sprawling shrub with large glossy lanceoate leaves having a distinct sharp tip. The terminal tip produce bracts of orange red that resemble a cooked lobster claw, lasting for weeks. Likes semi shade and filtered sunshine, well draining moist fertile soil. Pruning should be done immediately after flowering to control height and produces more branching and of course more colorful bracts. Minimum temps 50 degrees. A very unique plant. Flowers most during fall and winter. Native to Brazil. Grows to 3-4 feet.

Gardening facts about Ruellia chartacea plant

How to Grow Ruellia chartacea

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • regular
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • red
    • orange
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
    • fall
    • winter
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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