Ruellia Species, Browne's Blechum, Green Shrimp Plant, Penguin Balsam, Rock Balsam, Wild Hops
Ruelliablechum

Synonym:Blechum blechum

Synonym:Blechum brownei

Synonym:Ruellia bracteata

Synonym:Ruellia gairae

Category
Perennials

Water Requirements
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade

Foliage
Deciduous
Herbaceous
Smooth

Foliage Color

Height
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)

Spacing

Hardiness
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)

Where to Grow

Danger
Handling plant may cause skin irritation or allergic reaction
Pollen may cause allergic reaction

Bloom Color
Pale Pink
Lavender

Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds

Bloom Size

Bloom Time
Blooms all year
Blooms repeatedly

Other details
May be a noxious weed or invasive

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)

Patent Information
Non-patented

Propagation Methods
Self-sows freely; deadhead if you do not want volunteer seedlings next season

Seed Collecting