Ruellia elegans, Ruellia Ragin Cajun, Red Ruellia
Ruellia elegans, ‘Ragin Cajun’ is a member of the Acanthaceae family. It grows 12-16 inches high by 12-18 inches wide in zones 8, 9, and 10.
‘Ragin Cajun’ Red Ruellia produces red, trumpet shaped flowers held above the medium green foliage from late spring to fall. Blooms practically year round in frost free climates. This compact growing selection of Red Ruellia ‘Ragin Cajun’ makes a great filler in mixed containers, alone as a specimen or as a perennial in the garden. Attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. This plant is rarely bothered by deer or any other pests and disease. This clump forming, die-back perennial readily reseeds on exposed soils creating a groundcover in time.
‘Ragin Cajun’ Red Ruellia was discovered and introduced by Dupont Nursery in the heat and humidity of Plaquemine, Louisiana from its larger growing parent which can reach 2-3 feet high or more. In well mulched beds it seems to stay where you put it, freezing back at the first hard frost and returning each spring.
Water ’Ragin Cajun’ before planting. Plant in full sun, part sun or part shade. Dig planting hole 3 times the width of pot, backfill and plant 1 to 2 inches above soil level. Plant prefers average moisture with good drainage in fertile soil. Water and add more soil if needed, mulch plants and fertilize in early spring. This plant is attractive, easy to grow!
submitted by Karen Blackburn