How do you grow Ruellia humilis?
CULTURAL & MAINTENANCE NEEDS: Ruellia humilis grows in sun or part shade with average or dry soils. Plants tolerate excess moisture or drought, sand, loam or dry rocky soils. In garden situations, plants are more floriferous if they are irrigated. Plants commonly reseed but are not considered to be aggressive.
Is Ruellia humilis invasive?
It is reported to be invasive in Florida where it spreads by long-running stolons. In North America it is an uncommon native plant that is host to the Buckeye and several other butterfly species.
Does ruellia spread?
Growing ruellia plants will appreciate regular water but, again, the tolerant plant can withstand drought conditions in prepared soil. This upright to spreading perennial can be propagated via seed, vegetative cuttings, or root divisions and should be trimmed to tame the self-seeding, rampant growth.
How do you take care of ruellia?
The best approach is for watering just enough to keep the soil consistently moist. While these plants are sturdy and can go without water for a long time, young petunia ruellia simplex needs regular watering. During the colder months of the year, refrain from overwatering and only wet when the soil is visibly dry.
Is Ruellia a perennial?
ruellia humilis Shrubby perennial. Native to central U.S. Grows 12 feet tall and wide, with oval to lance-shaped leaves 14 inches long. Bears 2 inches-long bluish flowers from early summer into fall.
How do you collect Ruellia seeds?
Seed Saving: After the flowers fade, small seed pods will form. When ripe, the seed pods will begin to turn brown; remove them and spread them out to dry away from direct sunlight. Keep in mind that the pods often explode and expel their seed as they dry, and may need a light covering to contain the seed.
Is Mexican Petunia invasive in Texas?
You either love this plant – or you hate it. It’s Ruellia brittoniana, Mexican petunia. It loves Texas and it shows it by spreading as vigorously as mint in our gardens. In Southeast Texas and across the Gulf Coast it has become invasive in subtropical wetlands, so be forewarned.
How tall does Ruellia get?
3-4′ tall
It typically grows to 3-4′ tall in the wild, but to 2-3′ tall in gardens. Plants branch from the ground into several woody-based stems clothed with elongated, linear, willow-like, dark green leaves (to 6-12” long and ¾” wide) that are often tinged with purple.
Is Ruellia the same as Mexican petunia?
At first glance, you might mistake Mexican petunias for common garden flowers. But Mexican petunias are actually Ruellia simplex, fast-growing perennials with green to purple stems and green leaves.
Why is my Ruellia drooping?
Leaves wilt in too dry soil. The leaves turn yellow and fall off when the soil is viscous due to excessive watering. The plant looks droopy and weak, if it is cold and it is in too moist soil.
How do you harvest Mexican petunia seeds?