Yerba Maravilla

Ruellia coccinea

$18.00

1 Gallon | Hardiness Zones 8-10

Ruellia coccinea is a subshrub from Central America and tropical South America that spends the summer producing scarlet tubular flowers in such numbers, and with such reliable precision, that hummingbirds treat it as a fixed point on their territory map. The flowers are about an inch long with five spreading lobes — the exact architecture that hummingbird foraging requires — borne in clusters from the upper leaf axils and opening in succession from early summer through first frost. On a warm afternoon with the plant in full flush, the activity around it is considerable.

The plant itself is more substantial than the description "summer perennial" implies. In Zone 9 and warmer it is effectively a woody subshrub, reaching four to six feet in the right conditions and forming a rounded, open-branched mound with glossy ovate leaves that hold their lush, dark green through the season. In Zone 8 it may die back in a hard winter and return vigorously from the roots in spring — a reliable perennial by a slightly different route. It responds well to cutting back mid-season, pushing a fresh flush of growth and flowers that extends the display well into autumn.

A note worth making: R. coccinea is sometimes passed over by Southern gardeners who have learned to distrust the genus on account of R. simplex, the invasive Mexican petunia that has taken up residence in Florida ditches and wetlands. The two share a name and a family. They do not share a habit, a temperament, or a growth strategy. This one behaves.

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

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Plant Specs
  • Zones: 8 - 10
  • Sun: Part Shade
  • Soil: Well-drained, Fertile, and Moist
  • Height at Maturity: 2 - 3 Feet
  • Spread at Maturity: 2 - 3 Feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate

Semi-Evergreen
Flower/Foliage

Flowers
Tubular, scarlet, approximately 1 inch long with five spreading lobes. Borne in clusters from the upper leaf axils on upright stems, opening in succession from early summer through first frost. A reliable and heavily used hummingbird plant — the tubular scarlet form is precisely matched to hummingbird foraging. Also attractive to swallowtails and native bees with sufficient reach. Responds to mid-season trimming with a fresh flush of flowering growth.

Foliage
Leaves are ovate, glossy green, opposite, 3 to 4 inches long — substantial enough to provide a lush, tropical-adjacent backdrop for the flowers. Larger stems are semi-woody; younger stems soft and green. The overall habit is a rounded, open mound rather than a dense mass, with a slightly airy quality that suits the mixed border.
Care Info

Read full care instruction manual here.

Sun
Part shade preferred, with morning sun and afternoon protection producing the best combination of flowering and foliage quality. Tolerates more sun than most understory plants provided moisture is consistent, but afternoon shade is strongly recommended in the Deep South. Full shade reduces flowering significantly.

Soil
Moist, humus-rich, and well-drained. Performs best in organically rich soil that retains moisture without waterlogging. Amend with compost if lean or sandy. Consistent moisture through summer supports the most sustained flowering.

Watering
Regular moisture through the growing season. Not drought tolerant, particularly during establishment. Mulch heavily to retain moisture and moderate root temperature. Flowering quality drops noticeably under prolonged moisture stress.

Fertilizing
Light balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth resumes. In well-amended soils, little supplemental feeding required. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.

Pruning
Cut back by one third to one half in midsummer after the first flush to encourage compact regrowth and a second wave of flowers before frost. In Zone 8, cut dead stems to the ground in late winter and allow to resprout. In Zone 9 and warmer, light shaping in early spring keeps the plant from becoming leggy.

Pests and problems
Generally trouble-free. Spider mites may appear in hot, dry conditions — consistent moisture is the best preventive. No significant structural or disease issues in cultivation.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:

From rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Grown in Aiken, South Carolina

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Plant Success Tip #1

Unpack Promptly

Carefully unpack your plant as soon as it arrives. Check the roots and soil to ensure they are still moist. If the roots feel dry, lightly mist or water them before proceeding with planting or temporary storage.

Plant Success Tip #2

Acclimate Your Plant

Allow your plant to adjust to its new environment by placing it in a sheltered spot for a day or two before planting, especially if it has traveled a long distance. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures right away.

Plant Success Tip #3

Follow Planting and Care Instructions

Plant your new arrival as soon as possible, following the specific care guidelines provided. If planting outdoors isn’t immediately possible, temporarily pot it in well-draining soil to maintain health until conditions are suitable.

Read Care Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.
What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.
What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.
Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.