I first encountered this unique ruellia in 2002 near the northern Argentinean town of Salta at 3,275′ elevation. The plants grew in a very dry area on the partially sunny roadside banks. The 20″ tall square stems compose a 20″ wide clump, clothed in 5″ long x 3.5″ wide, hairy green leaves, and topped, starting in June, with 1.5″ wide purple-blue flowers. Ruellia ciliatiflora makes a delightful garden plant in NC and we are glad to finally be able to share it with others. We do see a small bit of reseeding, but so far, nothing troubling. Keep an eye out in regions of the country it might like too well.
