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Genus Ruellia

Ruellia Ruellia brittoniana 'Purple Showers' Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais
roo-EL-lee-a Synonyms: Dipteracanthus
Shrubs, subshrubs, and evergreen perennials in about 150 species from tropical America, Africa, and Asia belong to the genus Ruellia. The funnel-shaped flowers are the primary draw for many of the species and are sometimes called Mexican petunias. Leaves are often attractively marked as well. They are best used in informal areas of the garden, or in a warm greenhouse. Ruellia love high heat. They may become invasive in warm areas.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Funnel-shaped flowers and often attractive foliage.
 Care: Grow in full sun or part shade in most any fertile, organically rich, moist soil. In the greenhouse, grow in bright filtered light in a very humid location. Water only moderately in winter.
 Propagation: Can be propagated from softwood cuttings in spring or early summer, or from seed sown at 66° to 75°F in spring.
 Problems: Bacterial and fungal leaf spots, rust, root rot.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Ruellia

Ruellia brittoniana 'Purple Showers' Ruellia brittoniana 'Purple Showers'
(Mexican petunia, Common ruellia, Wild petunia) (6 user reviews)
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This three-foot-tall evergreen shrub bears many tubular, blue or purple, petunia-like flowers on dark stems over a long period. Each flower lasts for just one day. It is a fast grower that may self-seed aggressively. Use in a border, container, or at waterside. Can be grown as an annual in cooler areas.
Ruellia elegans Ruellia elegans
(Thai ruellia, Brazilian petunia) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This species has open-faced coral-red blossoms from late spring until fall. 
Ruellia peninsularis Ruellia peninsularis
(Desert ruellia) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This southern California native shrub produces a dense mass of small, glossy leaves and purple, petunia-like flowers in late spring and early summer. Sporadic flowering can occur throughout the season. It grows up to 4 feet tall and 6 feet wide.