Ruellia brittonia

Flower name
Ruellia brittonia
Scientific name
Ruellia brittonia
AliasRuelllia, 矮性ルエリア, Mexican petunia, Mexican bluebell, Britton's wild petunia
Place of origindwarf variety,(Mexico)
Place of floweringGarden, Park, Horticultural species, Potted flower, Ornamental plants
Flowering seasonJune, July, August, September, October, November

What is Ruellia brittonia

Ruellia Tropic Star (Scientific name: Ruellia brittonia) is a dwarf horticultural variety of the perennial herb native to tropical America, the "Mexican petunia" (Ruellia simplex). The Tropic Star series includes three colors: pink, blue, and white, and is also known as dwarf Ruellia. It is called Mexican petunia, Mexican bluebell, or Britton's wild petunia in English. The flowers resemble petunias (Petunia × hybrida), but petunias belong to a different family, Solanaceae.

While Ruellia simplex grows to a height of 1 meter, this dwarf variety reaches only 20-30 cm. Apart from its height, it shares the same characteristics as R. simplex. The flowers are thin, delicate, and last for just one day, blooming continuously until autumn. The evergreen leaves grow densely, making it suitable for ground cover. The leaves are also used as food for the larvae of butterflies and moths of the Nymphalidae family.

Origin of the Flower Name
The genus name "Ruellia" is dedicated to the French physician and botanist Dr. Jean Ruel (1474–1537). The species name "britoniana" means "British" in Latin.

Flower Meanings of Ruellia
"Honesty," "Charm," "Courage and Strength"

Common Name: Ruellia Tropic Star
Scientific Name: Ruellia brittonia
Also Known As: Dwarf Ruellia
English Names: Mexican petunia, Mexican bluebell, Britton's wild petunia
Classification: Kingdom Plantae, Angiosperms, Eudicots, Order Lamiales, Family Acanthaceae, Genus Ruellia
Life Form: Hardy evergreen perennial (herbaceous perennial)
Suitable Regions: Southern Tohoku and further south
Height: 20-30 cm
Leaf Color: Dark green
Leaf Shape: Lanceolate
Flowering Period: June to November, single-day flowers
Flower Diameter: 5 cm
Flower Shape: Trumpet-shaped
Flower Colors: Pink, white, purple
Propagation: Cuttings, seeds
Uses: Garden planting, flower beds, English gardens, pots, mixed plantings, hanging ground cover, containers