California Ruellia. Ruellia californica, Acanthus Family: ( Acanthaceae ), California Ruellia. Also Called: Desert Ruellia, Purple Ruellia, Wild Petunia, Purple Petunia. We wish to thank Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia for some of the information on this page. We share images and information with Wikipedia. Ruellia californica is not a popular landscaping plant in Arizona, probably due to the lack of availability. This species has shorter, more rounded leaves than the Ruellia brittoniana. Its flowers are also smaller. The flowers of Ruellia californica are petunia like, however they are more cup shaped and funnel-like. The plants are erect, 3 - 4 feet tall. The leaves are 6 - 12 inches long, narrow at the base and very short. The blooms are on the top of the plant in clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers. They prefer full sun but will tolerate some shade (to the sacrifice of some flowering). Ruellia californica blooming occurs from the late spring to mid summer. Ruellia can tolerate abuse and neglect and it is drought tolerant. This variety dark green leaves. In Arizona it is considered an evergreen shrub. Quick Notes: Height: An evergreen shrub slowly growing to about 36 - 48 inches tall and up to 48 inches wide. Flowers: The flowers are in leaf axils with 2 - 3 inch long funnel-shaped purple flowers, on purple stems. Flowering Time: Mid March - November. Seeds: A winged seed, small. Leaves: Linear, lancolate, serrate, opposite leaves on bright gray stems, prominent purple venation. They are 6 - 12 inches in length and 1/2 - 3/4 inches wide. Under Arizona hot conditions the foliage assumes a metallic blue cast. Found: Native to Mexico in Sonora. Hardiness: USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 �C (25 �F) USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 �C (30 �F) USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 �C (35 �F) USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 �C (40 �F) Soil pH requirements: 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic) 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral) 7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline) 7.9 to 8.5 (alkaline) 8.6 to 9.0 (strongly alkaline) Sun Exposure: Full Sun Elevation: 0 - 2,600 feet. Habitat: Alkaline, well-drained/light soils. An ideal landscape plant in Arizona. Native of Baja California. Miscellaneous: Similiar to Ruellia peninsularis. Great Xeriscape plant.

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