Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
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Shrubs

California Ruellia, Ruellia californica

California Ruellia, Ruellia californica

California Ruellia Ruellia californica	California Ruellia Ruellia californica

California Ruellia Ruellia californica, Acanthus Family: ( Acanthaceae ), California Ruellia. Also called: Desert Ruellia, Purple Ruellia, Wild Petunia, Purple Petunia. Ruellia californica is not a popular landscaping plant in Arizona, probably due to the lack of availability. This species has shorter, more rounded leaves than the Ruellia brittoniana. Its flowers are also smaller. The flowers of Ruellia californica 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). Ruellia californica blooming occurs from the late spring to mid summer. Ruellia can tolerate abuse and neglect and it is drought tolerant. This variety dark green leaves. In Arizona 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. Miscellaneous: Similiar to Ruellia peninsularis.