Baja Ruellia Ruellia peninsularisAlso called Desert Ruellia, this southwest native thrives in full sun and easily handles the intense low desert summer heat. A great nectar plant for bees, butterflies and Hummingbirds, Baja Ruellia also acts as the larval host for the Malachite, White Peacock, Common Buckeye and Texas Crescent butterflies.Flowers: J F M A M J J A S O N DStatus: Near-NativeOrigin: Baja California and Sonora MexicoFamily: AcanthaceaeSize: 4′ tall and 6′ wideSun: Full to mild shadeWatering: SupplementalGrowth Rate:Soil: Tolerant but good drainage preferredTemperature: Cold hardy to 25 FPruning: Occasional heading back to increase canopy density after last frost in winter.Disease and Pests:Uses: Great nectar plant for bees, butterflies and Hummingbirds. Larval host plant for the Malachite, White Peacock, Common Buckeye and Texas Crescent butterflies.Notes: Can become sparsely foliated in winter. Can suffer frost damage but quickly recovers when weather warms.You will also often find two additional popular Ruellia’s used in the low desert. Ruellia brittoniana (Mexican Petunia) is a 2–4 foot tall upright spreading perennial. But, be warned! This plant should be planted in bordered beds to tame their rampant and invasive growth. They spread by seed and underground rhizomes. The Ruellia brittoniana ‘Katie’ is a dwarf horticultural selection that grows only 12–15″ high, works well as a groundcover and is very well behaved in the landscape. Both of these are commonly found in purple, but you may also find white or pink varieties.Water Use It WiselyResourcesSpadefoot Nursery Public ASU AMWUA UofA Campus ArboretumSmart Plant Tags Gardens and Landscapes: Transform your garden into a gallery of personalized narratives, providing valuable information to both seasoned gardeners and curious visitors. Public Spaces and Parks: Enhance the educational aspect of public spaces by introducing engraved tags. Create interactive learning experiences that engage and inform visitors about the diverse flora and fauna in the area. Commercial Landscapes: For businesses looking to add a touch of sophistication to their outdoor spaces, and to communicate your commitment to nature. Nature Reserves and Conservation Areas: Support conservation efforts by providing informative markers in nature reserves. Raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity and conservation. Educational Institutions: Create interactive outdoor classrooms by incorporating our tags into educational institutions. Foster a love for nature and a thirst for knowledge among students of all ages. Create your custom tags today – available in our Shop!Share this:FacebookXWhatsAppPinterestRedditPrintLike this:Like Loading...