The MGS Forum

Plants for mediterranean gardens => Perennials => Topic started by: John on September 06, 2011, 08:55:31 AM

Title: Ruellia brittoniana
Post by: John on September 06, 2011, 08:55:31 AM
I assume I have the species right. I have seen this occasionally here and there and thought it was particularly attractive especially when in full flower. It seems to have a long flowering period. This was taken at the end of the season in Pano Elounda, a little old village in eastern Crete. It was growing out of the cracks in the road edge against some steps. This could imply that it could become a troublesome weed in some situations. I believe it also comes in quite a range of colours.
Title: Re: Ruellia brittoniana
Post by: oron peri on September 06, 2011, 11:15:48 AM
Yes The name is right, Ruellia brittoniana, the one in the photo is the species it self which can get to 1m and often a real pest in the garden,as it will seeds its self in every crack, between pavment ets.
In the last 8 years or so there is a dwarf vraiety 'Texas superstar' which is beautifull, it doesnt seeds it self freely,
about 40cm,bigger flowers in Pink, White and Purple.
It blooms in 2-3 waves that last long time.
Title: Re: Ruellia brittoniana
Post by: ezeiza on September 07, 2011, 12:42:07 AM
John, do you have a photo of the foliage and/or habit?

The plant we grow here in Argentina, in three colors, is a real thug, growing without much water but it also adapts very well to growing in ponds with wet feet. It flowers during 7 or more months non stop but never sets seed, increasing rapidly by clumping.
Title: Re: Ruellia brittoniana
Post by: Chantal on September 07, 2011, 08:29:26 AM
I love this plant, but I was nearly sure that on the RHS data base, they called it Ruellia tweediana. Did they changed recently ?
Anyway, in my garden, I only got one seedling from the parent plant. I suppose I have too cold winters here in Montpellier.
The flowering season in 2010 was from july to october. This year it flowered with 2 weeks in advance in june. If I have time I try to send a picture of the flowers and the foliage.
Title: Re: Ruellia brittoniana
Post by: John on September 07, 2011, 08:31:56 AM
Yes I have this one.
Title: Re: Ruellia brittoniana
Post by: ezeiza on September 07, 2011, 11:13:11 PM
Many thanks, John.
Title: Re: Ruellia brittoniana
Post by: Alisdair on September 23, 2011, 04:54:34 PM
Kew currently view R. brittoniana as a synonym of R. simplex. ???
Title: Re: Ruellia brittoniana
Post by: psroseguy on October 02, 2019, 07:52:17 PM
I was going to start a new thread but looking back through archives I see this one has been broached in the not distant passed.

I find Ruellias quite easy, pest free and forgiving here. They are of course invasive in some areas. Fortunately this is not a problem in this climate.

Here are some recent pics of those rebounding after a challenging Summer.

The pink is a recent acquisition borrowed from a public planting. These root quite easily.

Title: Re: Ruellia brittoniana
Post by: Umbrian on October 03, 2019, 06:38:43 AM
Nice plant and anything that is a survivor is surely welcome when gardening in difficult situations, both climate and soil wise.
So good to have a new, knowledgeable and enthusiastic  poster😊
Title: Re: Ruellia brittoniana
Post by: Alisdair on October 03, 2019, 08:23:20 AM
Interesting - I've never seen a pink one in a European mediterranean garden (and as Carole says, it's great to have you on board!)
Title: Re: Ruellia brittoniana
Post by: John J on October 03, 2019, 04:41:15 PM
I believe the accepted name of this plant is now Ruellia simplex with R. brittoniana being a synonym. Whatever it is called it is very useful as it seeds itself around our property freely. Any that appear in inconvenient spots can easily be removed.
Title: Re: Ruellia brittoniana
Post by: psroseguy on October 03, 2019, 05:43:28 PM
John, I agree.

I appreciate foundlings and being able to easily remove those that don't fit long term.

Sometimes it's fun just to let them progress till they they get too large and then let the area go fallow or make room for others.

I generally prefer to," go with the flow".  Happy accidents are always welcome.  :)


Alisdair, the pinks are not common here as yet. I also happened on a specimen of 'Katie Pink' yesterday and pruned it discreetly.  ;)

These dwarfs are quite welcome. I also have the original 'Katie Blue' which is much easier to deal with in most instances. The blue self seeds true to type which is surprising for such a dwarf plant. It has proven somewhat stoloniferous in favored locations which I find a nice feature.

Attempting to post a public photo borrowed from the internet to illustrate.