Ruellia Brittoniana – Desert Horizon Nursery

Ruellia Brittoniana

Ruellia simplex (syn. Ruellia brittoniana)
Categories:
Perennials  ·  
Perennials
Light
Full sun
Water
Moderate water for lush growth and abundant flowers. Water deeply, then let the upper soil dry; established plants tolerate some drought but may bloom less.
Size
2-4 ft tall × 1-3 ft wide
Habit
Perennial clump
Toxicity
Not Established
Description
Mexican petunia, botanically accepted as Ruellia simplex, is a vigorous perennial with upright stems, narrow leaves, and abundant trumpet-shaped flowers.
Bloom Time
Spring through fall
Deciduous / Evergreen
Semi-evergreen
Special Features
Attracts Bees / Pollinators, Attracts Butterflies, Heat Tolerant
Growth Rate
Moderate to fast
Growth Habit
Perennial clump
Mature Size
2-4 ft tall × 1-3 ft wide
Flower Color
Purple / pink / or white by variety
Foliage Color
Dark green
Landscape Use
Border / Bed, Container / Patio, Pollinator / Wildlife Garden
Garden Style
Container / Patio, Pollinator / Wildlife
Soil
Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Autumn sage, Lantana, Society garlic, Yellow Bells
Not Established
Not established — verify
Care Instructions

Light: Full sun to partial shade; light afternoon shade is beneficial in Phoenix’s hottest exposures.

Water: Moderate water for lush growth and abundant flowers. Water deeply, then let the upper soil dry; established plants tolerate some drought but may bloom less.

Soil: Adaptable to sandy, loamy, or clay soils, including alkaline soils; well-drained soil is preferred.

Mature size: Typically 3–4 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide initially; spreading colonies can become much wider. Dwarf cultivars remain shorter.

Bloom: Spring through fall in Phoenix, often until frost; individual flowers last one day but are continually replaced.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen to semi-evergreen in mild winters; frost may kill stems back, with regrowth from roots in spring.

Growth rate: Fast.