Plant Profile: Ruellia elegans

Ruellia elegans, commonly known as Red Ruellia, is indigenous to Brazil and features striking red, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom on slender stems measuring 6 to 8 inches in height. The upper petals typically flare outward and backward, while the lower petal curls outward and downward. These vibrant flowers are known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds, with their blooming period extending from May until the first frost. Although the plant can withstand light frost, it succumbs to temperatures around 28 degrees Fahrenheit. It develops a mound of soft green, semi-fuzzy leaves, reaching about 12 inches in height and 24 inches in diameter. While classified as an annual, its ability to reseed and spread quickly often leads to it being regarded as a perennial.

**Diseases, Insects, and Other Plant Issues:**
Bacterial leaf spots, fungal leaf spots, rust, and root rot.