Ruellia macrantha
Christmas pride
An erect, soft-stemmed subshrub, with softly hairy, matt, dark green leaves to 15cm long. The funnel-shaped rich, purplish-pink flowers to 8cm long are produced singly from the leaf axils in autumn to winter
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Pink | Green | ||
| Winter | Pink | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Ruellia can be perennials or shrubs, with simple, evergreen leaves sometimes attractively veined, and solitary or clustered, funnel-shaped flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Brazil
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in containers using peat-free, multipurpose compost) in bright filtered light with high humidity. Water freely during the growing season and apply balanced liquid fertilizer monthly. Water moderately in winter. Keep at minimum 12°C
Propagation
Propagate by seed; sow seeds at 19-24°C in spring. Take softwood cuttings in spring or early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Pinch young shoots to encourage branching. Pruning group 10; after flowering
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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