Ruellia californica
California Ruellia
Description
An evergreen shrub grows to 4' tall by 4' wide. Many branches. Leaves are hairy on both surfaces. Flowers are purple, funnel- shaped and slightly fragrant. Plant will bloom nearly year round in warm climes. Tolerates light frost but can be disfigured or killed by a hard frost. Not attractive in winter but can rapidly regrow in spring. Native to the lower Sonoran desert.
Plant Type
Shrub
Height Range
3-6'
Flower Color
Purple
Flower Season
Spring, Summer
Leaf Color
Dark Green
Bark Color
Grey, White
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full
Water
Very Low, Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Rocky
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Wild Garden
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer
Location Uses
Entry, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Parking Strip, Patio, Parking Lot, Swimming Pool, Walkways, With Rocks
Special Uses
Filler, Mass Planting, Naturalizing
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Water Saving Tip:
As the weather gets hotter avoid the temptation to increase run times.
Instead, schedule more start times with one to two hours in between to allow the water from the previous session to soak in before watering again.