Ruellia simplex
Ruellia simplex · Acanthaceae
📷 Jim Evans · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around ruellia simplex and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Common name
- Frostweed, Santander Violet
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen to deciduous depending on climate
- Flowering
- July to October, mauve to violet flowers
- Adult size
- 0.60 to 1.20 m in height
- Growth
- Fast to moderate
- Hardiness
- Frost-tender, tolerates down to -5 °C for short periods
- Origin
- Central and South America
Care
Light Exposure
Place your Ruellia in full sun or partial shade to ensure generous flowering. It tolerates partial shade but flowers less abundantly. Protect it from strong winds that can damage its flexible stems.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season to keep the soil moist but well-drained. In summer, increase frequency if temperatures are high. Gradually reduce watering in autumn and winter, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Soil
Use fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Overly heavy soil encourages rot. Add sand or perlite to improve structure if your natural soil is compacted.
Pruning and Cutting Back
Pinch young shoots in spring to encourage dense branching and better shape. Cut back the plant in late autumn or early spring to rejuvenate the stems and remove any parts damaged by cold or drying.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing period (spring-summer). Prefer a formulation slightly richer in potassium to support abundant flowering.
Diseases and Pests
Watch for spider mites in dry air and powdery mildew in excessive humidity. Improve air circulation around the plant and avoid wetting the foliage late in the afternoon to prevent fungal issues.
Did you know?
Ruellia simplex, native to warm regions of Central America, has conquered Mediterranean and tropical gardens for its generous flowering and remarkable relative hardiness. Its Latin name 'simplex' refers to the simplicity of its leaves, while its delicate violet flowers make it an ornamental plant of choice for sunny borders and flower beds.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.