Ruellia alata
hardy Persian shield
An upright perennial to around 50cm high, with a woody base, gently creeping roots, and slender, angled stems bearing pairs of elliptic to lance-shaped green leaves with serrated edges. In late summer, tubular purple-blue flowers, curved over at the tips, are borne singly or in pairs on leafy stems
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Blue | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Strobilanthes can be evergreen or herbaceous perennials or subshrubs with simple, opposite leaves and spikes, cone-like clusters or loose panicles of tubular or funnel-shaped flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Himalaya China
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in light, fertile, free-draining soil in full sun or part shade. May benefit from mulching in winter
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown at 13-18°C in spring, or by basal or softwood cuttings in spring or early summer, with bottom heat
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Gravel garden
- Banks and slopes
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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