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(Ruellia elegans)
Brazilian Petunia (Ruellia elegans)
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Vaikoovery
CC BY 3.0
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Vaikoovery
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CC BY 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Vaikoovery | License Type: CC BY 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Vaikoovery | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ruellia elegans, commonly known as Brazilian Petunia, is an evergreen perennial herb native to open woodlands and forest edges in Brazil. It typically grows to a height and width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), featuring lance-shaped leaves and upright growth. Brazilian Petunia is known for its tubular red flowers that bloom profusely from spring to fall, adding a splash of color to the garden for an extended period. The flowers are quite showy and attract pollinators such as butterflies and hummingbirds.
Brazilian Petunia is valued for its long flowering season and vibrant floral display, making it a popular choice for borders, container plantings, and as a ground cover in tropical and subtropical gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils, although it can tolerate a range of soil conditions. While it requires low to medium amounts of water once established, regular watering promotes optimal blooming. It can be propagated easily from cuttings and is relatively low maintenance, but it may require pruning to keep it within bounds. Gardeners should be aware that in some regions, Ruellia elegans can become invasive, so it is important to manage its spread to prevent it from escaping cultivation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Brazilian Petunia is valued for its long flowering season and vibrant floral display, making it a popular choice for borders, container plantings, and as a ground cover in tropical and subtropical gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers moist, well-drained soils, although it can tolerate a range of soil conditions. While it requires low to medium amounts of water once established, regular watering promotes optimal blooming. It can be propagated easily from cuttings and is relatively low maintenance, but it may require pruning to keep it within bounds. Gardeners should be aware that in some regions, Ruellia elegans can become invasive, so it is important to manage its spread to prevent it from escaping cultivation.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 2-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to open woodlands and forest edges in Brazil
Other Names
Common Names: Brazilian Red Petunia, Elegant Ruellia, Red Ruellia
Scientific Names: , Ruellia elegans, Ruellia formosa, Arrhostoxylum elegans, Arrhostoxylum silvaccola var. montanum, Arrhostoxylum roseum, Ruellia rosea, Arrhostoxylum formosum, Arrhostoxylum silvaccola subsp. montanum, Arrhostoxylum silvaecola var. montanum
GBIF Accepted Name: Ruellia elegans Poir.