Desert Ruellia
Ruellia brittoniana, Acanthus Family: ( Acanthaceae ), Desert Ruellia. Also called: Mexican petunia or Mexican barrio ruellia.
This is a very popular landscaping plant in arizona and it is considered an evergreen shrub. It is classed as a noxious weed in Florida.
Height: Evergreen bush slowly growing to about 36 inches tall and 36 inches wide.
Flowers: The flowers are in leaf axils with 2 - 3 inche long funnel-shaped purple or blue flowers.
Stalk: The stems are purple.
Blooming Time: Mid March - November.
Leaves: Linear, lancolate, serrate, prominent purple venation. They are 6 - 12 inches in length and 1/2-3/4 inches wide. Under Arizona hot conditions the foliage assumes a metallic blue cast.
Found: Found throughout lower elevations in Arizona.
Elevation: 0 - 2500 Feet.
Habitat: Alkaline, well-drained/light soils. An ideal landscape plant in Arizona. Native of mexico and the SW USA.
Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken March 24, 2003. Glendale Public Library, Xeriscape Demonstration Garden.
