Ruellia angustifolia
Ruellia is usually a very straggly plant producing lots of dead wood, which can grow 1 m tall, but usually collapses knocked over by the wind and flowers erratically. Tends to look a mess. It is very hardy of the summer heat and should be in full sun.
It is however very invasive with seed capsules that explode when wet, so watering them can be painful. The little cannon balls can be shot 3 m or more and so little plantlets will appear everywhere. It is extremely easy to grow, with little pest problem, but needs fairly deep soil.
It is however very invasive with seed capsules that explode when wet, so watering them can be painful. The little cannon balls can be shot 3 m or more and so little plantlets will appear everywhere. It is extremely easy to grow, with little pest problem, but needs fairly deep soil.
Ruellia brittonia
A dwarf Ruellia but with larger flowers, so that it is much neater and compact. Like R. angustifolia, it is a hardy perennial and likes the full sun, but flowers continuously throughout the year. There is a white variety.