Ruellia simplex

Bracts of the loose cymes linear, leaves linear-elongate, foilage not hairy.

This plant readily reseeds and spreads by rhizomes. It is easily propagated but is not native and should not be included in restoration or native plantings. It is frost intolerant and temperature limits its range. It can become weedy and should be avoided even as a garden perennial. There are several cultivars of this species including dwarfs and pink and white flowered varieties. Seeds average approximately 378,000/lb.

Ruellia simplex is widely cultivated and naturalized in the Southern United States from Texas to Florida. Its range is limited to semitropical climates. The genus Ruellia was named for the French physician and botanist who lived from 1474 to 1537.