New ruellia takes the heat

Ragin’ Cajun Ruellia, one of 11 Athens Select annuals released by the Southern Living Plant Collection, has been awarded the FlameProof Award by the Dallas Arboretum Trial program, according to Todd Carnley, Director of the Southern Living Plant Collection.
The Dallas Arboretum Trial program tests over 3,000 plant varieties each year searching for the best ones to withstand the harsh Texas heat. When varieties like Ragin’ Cajun Ruellia flourish for three years, the program awards the FlameProof designation.
An especially hardy plant that’s easy to grow, Ragin Cajun Ruellia displays vivid red flowers on wispy flower stems with a low growth habit. Tolerant of full sun, this low grower averages 12-14 inches and is hardy in USDA zones 7B - 11.
“This is the highest award my trial program gives,” said Jimmy Turner, senior director of horticulture research for the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. “Plant Ragin’ Cajun in spring and it will take infernal heat and humidity all summer and keep flowering right up until first frost.”