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How To Grow And Care For Ruellia
There might not be an easier �ower for your pots or garden beds.
By Zoe Gowen | Updated on August 30, 2024
Fact checked by Jillian Dara
In This Article
Plant Attributes
Care
Types
Pruning
Propagating
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PHOTO: SOUTHERN LIVING/ADRIENNE LEGAULT
Though most common in Texas, ruellia is quickly making inroads into the rest
of the South, especially among gardeners who want lots of bloom with little
fuss. The �owers resemble small, thin-textured petunias and the plant is also
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fuss. The �owers resemble small, thin-textured petunias and the plant is also
known as Mexican petunia, although they are of no relation to petunias. This
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shrubby perennial grows up to 4 feet tall and blooms in early summer
through fall with purple or blue �owers that will attract butter�ies and
hummingbirds. Ruellia is hardy in Zones 8 to 10 (USDA). These plants resist
damage by browsing deer.
Plant ruellia in spring once the danger of frost has passed. Ruellia is easy to
grow in full to partial sun, and it grows equally well in wet soil and dry soil. In
fact, it can be found in traf�c islands or growing wild by the road where it
receives no care and continues to grow well. Because it needs so little and
grows quickly, ruellia can spread with ease and is considered invasive in some
areas. [1]
Plant Attributes
Common Name Mexican petunia, wild petunia, Texas petunia, Britton’s Wild Petunia,
Mexican bluebell
Botanical Ruellia simplex (previously known as R. brittoniana, R. malacosperma, R.
Name tweediana)
Family Acanthaceae
Plant Type Perennial
Mature Size 3-4 ft. tall
Sun Exposure Full, partial
Soil Type Loamy, sandy, moist but well-drained
Soil pH Acidic, neutral
Bloom Time Summer, fall
Flower Color Blue, purple
Hardiness Zone 8-10 (USDA)
Zones
Native Area North America, South America, Caribbean
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PHOTO: SOUTHERN LIVING/ADRIENNE LEGAULT
Ruellia Care
Ruellia is a hardy perennial grower, thriving in nearly any growing condition
that you might throw at it: wet, dry, hot, hotter, sun, partial shade. Ruellia
grows well in our humid Southern climate and likes regular moisture and
well-drained soil. It forms large clumps with spreading roots, and its seed
capsules scatter seed. In wet and unmanaged areas, it can be invasive and is
counted among invasive plants in Florida. [1] Look for non-invasive varieties
to grow in your garden.
Light
When planted in full sun, ruellia will �ower profusely. It grows well in partial
shade, too, but will produce fewer blooms.
Soil
Ruellia grows best in neutral to acidic soil that drains well. This plant is not
picky, and it will grow in most conditions.
Water
Ruellia is known to survive and thrive in spite of �ooding or even drought
conditions. But for best results in your garden, provide regular water in soil
that is rich and well-drained.
Temperature and Humidity
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Ruellia grows well in our hot, humid Southern climate, thriving in sunny
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locations, plenty of heat, and humidity. They aren’t cold hardy and won’t
perform as a perennial above Zone 7 (USDA). Here, they make a great potted
annual.
ruellia
PHOTO: SOUTHERN LIVING/ADRIENNE LEGAULT
Types of Ruellia
'Ragin' Cajun (Ruellia elegans): Plant this perennial in LS, CS, and TS
Zones 8-11 (USDA). The species is native from Brazil to Chile and grows 4
feet tall and 8 feet wide. Scarlet �owers bloom late spring through fall. It
needs little to moderate water after it’s established. Plant this variety as
an annual in US, MS Zones 6-7 (USDA).
‘Blue Shade’ (Ruellia humilis): This shrubby perennial is native to the
central United States and grows 2 feet tall and wide with oval- to lance-
shaped leaves 14 inches long. The 2-inch-long blue �owers bloom from
early summer into fall. ‘Blue Shade’ is a low-growing (6-10 in.) and wide-
spreading form with lavender-blue �owers. This selection is popular in
Central Texas as a ground cover for light shade.
'Pink Wild Petunia’ (Ruellia macrantha): You’ll �nd this shrub in CS, TS
Zones 9-11 (USDA) growing up to 3 feet high and wide with oval, dark
green leaves. Clusters of 3- to 4-inch rosy pink �owers bloom in late fall
and through the winter in the Tropical South. This variety grows best as a
container plant. Provide shelter during frost.
‘Mexican Petunia’ (Ruellia malacosperma): This shrubby perennial is
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‘Mexican Petunia’ (Ruellia malacosperma): This shrubby perennial is
native to Mexico and is often confused with Ruellia SUBSCRIBE
tweediana, but its
leaves are a little shorter and wider. This hardy plant will grow well in dry
or wet soil, grows 3 feet tall, and blooms with light purple �owers in
summer. ‘Alba’ (sometimes sold as White Flower Form) produces
hundreds of white blooms from June through September.
‘Willowleaf Mexican Petunia’ (Ruellia tweediana) (Ruellia brittoniana):
This shrubby perennial grows in LS, CS, TS Zone 8-10 (USDA). This native
naturalizes and can be invasive. To control growth, contain it to edging.
Light purple �owers bloom throughout the warm times of the year. ‘Chi-
Chi’ bears soft pink blossoms. ‘Katie’ is a noninvasive dwarf (10-12 inches
tall). Other dwarf varieties include ‘Colobe Pink’ with pink �owers;
‘Strawberries and Cream’ with lavender blossoms and white speckled
leaves; and ‘White Katie’, similar to ‘Katie’ but with white blooms.
ruellia
PHOTO: SOUTHERN LIVING/ADRIENNE LEGAULT
Pruning
Ruellia doesn’t require pruning if it grows where it is evergreen, but �ower
stems can be cut to encourage more blooms or bushy growth. In other areas,
cut ruellia down to the ground after its foliage dies from frost. Plants that
produce seeds should be trimmed to remove seeds when they appear to
control spread.
Propagating Ruellia
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Ruellia is easy to propagate through cuttings and division, which should be
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done in spring. It is prohibited to propagate trademarked cultivars. [2]
To propagate from cuttings:
1. Use pruners to cut a 4- to 6-inch piece from the tip of a stem just below
a node. Remove leaves from the bottom half.
2. No rooting hormone is needed. Place the stem two inches deep into a
pot �lled with well-draining soil.
3. Water thoroughly to moisten the potting mix.
4. Cover the plant with plastic.
5. Set the pot in a warm area where it will get bright, indirect light. Keep
the soil moist.
6. Remove the plastic once the plant has developed roots and transplant
to the garden.
To propagate by division:
1. Use a garden spade to dig around a clump to loosen the plant from the
soil.
2. Use a sharp knife or shovel to separate the clump into sections of
rhizomes and foliage.
3. Plant each section in a separate location and water.
4. Water daily until the new plants become established.
How To Grow Ruellia From Seed
Ruellia easily grows from seed. They are easy to start indoors during winter.
Start with moist seed-starting mix. Sow seeds 12 inches apart and cover
lightly with the mix. Place them in a bright, warm location, about 72-76
degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the soil mix moist for about 10 days until
germination. Acclimate the seedlings to the outdoors once they are a few
inches tall.
Potting and Repotting Ruellia
There are two good reasons to grow ruellia in a pot. The �rst is to prevent the
plant from spreading. The second is to enjoy ruellia when you’re just outside
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plant from spreading. The second is to enjoy ruellia when you’re just outside
its recommended growing zone. In this case, planting ruellia in a pot means
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you can move it to a sheltered location during a frosty spell. This plant grows
well, so if you choose to pot it, be prepared to repot it once it �lls the pot.
Choose the next size up, about 2 inches larger, and gently move the plant to
its new pot. Use high-quality, well-draining soil, and plant the ruellia so the
roots are at the same depth as in its original container. Water regularly to
keep moist.
ruellia
PHOTO: SOUTHERN LIVING/ADRIENNE LEGAULT
Overwintering Ruellia
Overwintering ruellia is not cold-hardy so protect it during any surprise cold
spells. Water only when the soil is dry, and bring the plant indoors during
threat of cold weather. If it's not in a container, dig it up and plant it in one to
overwinter indoors during cold spells. Reacclimate the plant to the outdoors
come spring. Ruellia grown in warm climates does not need extra care during
winter.
Common Pests
This easy-care plant has few issues with pests and diseases. Watch out for
white splotches that resemble paint on the leaves. It can indicate a mite
infestation. The tiny mites cause white fuzz to appear. Remove severely
affected leaves and treat with horticultural oil.
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How To Get Ruellia To Bloom SUBSCRIBE
Beyond planting ruellia in a sunny location, which is the best way to
encourage blooms, you can also practice deadheading, or pinching off the
spent blooms. This tells the plant to redirect its energy into making more
blooms. Each �ower lasts about a day, but the quantity of blooms will never
leave you wanting for more. These purple blooms resemble the petunia,
although they are of no relation, and do not have a fragrance.
ruellia
PHOTO: SOUTHERN LIVING/ADRIENNE LEGAULT
Common Problems With Ruellia
Ruellia needs so little and spreads with ease. It has few problems. It can be
hard to control or eradicate in some areas once it is established. Also, be on
the lookout for browning leaves. They may indicate damage.
Aggressive Spreading
It forms large clumps with spreading roots, and its seed capsules scatter
seed. In wet and unmanaged areas, it can be invasive, and is counted among
invasive plants in Florida. To control the spread, pinch off �owers before they
go to seed or prune the plant back once the foliage dies.
Browning Leaves
Cold weather can damage the plants, resulting in brown leaves. Remove any
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damaged foliage and move the plant to a warmer location to help it regrow
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healthy new leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are alternatives to ruellia?
Native plants make good alternatives for ruellia. Look for Carolina
phlox (Phlox carolina), which has clusters of pink, purple, or white
�owers and is resistant to powdery mildew. Bee balm (Monarda
didyma) is a native perennial in the mint family that smells like mint
when crushed. Its reddish �owers attract bees, hummingbirds, and
butter�ies. Also, look for non-invasive ruellia varieties like Carolina
wild petunia (Ruellia caroliniensis) with purple �owers from spring
through fall and Mayan purple, pink, and white cultivars, which are
hybrids with sterile seeds.
Where should I plant ruellia?
In the wild, this plant grows in moist, wet areas like the edges of lakes
and ponds or in woodland areas. It can tolerate dry and moist soils.
Grow it in pollinator or woodland gardens, containers, or rock gardens.
What should I plant with ruellia?
Since butter�ies, bees, and hummingbirds like the trumpet-shaped
�owers, plant ruellia with other favorite plants to grow a pollinator
garden. Try cone�ower (Echinacea purpurea) and beardtongue
(Penstemon).
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