Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
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Shrubs

Baja Ruellia, Ruellia peninsularis

Baja Ruellia, Ruellia peninsularis

Baja Ruellia, Ruellia peninsularis	Baja Ruellia, Ruellia peninsularis

Baja Ruellia Ruellia peninsularis, Acanthus Family: ( Acanthaceae ), Baja Ruellia. Also called: Desert Ruellia, Desert Petunia. This species has shorter, more rounded leaves than the Ruellia brittoniana. Its flowers are also smaller. The flowers of Ruellia peninsularis are petunia like, however they are more cup shaped and funnel-like. The plants are erect, 3 - 4 feet tall. The leaves are 6 - 12 inches long, narrow at the base and very short. The blooms are on the top of the plant in clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers. They prefer full sun but will tolerate some shade (to the sacrifice of some flowering). Flowering on Katie Ruellia occurs from the late spring to mid summer. Ruellia can tolerate abuse and neglect and it is drought tolerant. This variety dark green leaves. This is a very popular landscaping plant in Arizona and it is considered an evergreen shrub.. Height: Evergreen bush slowly growing to about 36 inches tall and 48 inches wide. Flowers: The flowers are in leaf axils with 2 - 3 inch long funnel-shaped purple flowers. Stalk: The stems are purple. Blooming Time: Mid March - November. Leaves: Linear, lancolate, serrate, opposite leaves on bright gray stems, 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 Baja California, Sonoran desert, Mexico. Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken September 11, 2006. Glendale Xeriscape DemonstrationGarden.