Botanical Name: Ruttya fruticosa
Common Name: Orange dragon, Orange bird Type of Plant: dicot: perennial Character Habit of Growth: Overall Shape Upright, sprawling woody perennial with medium textured foliage and thin, nearly vine-like branches; 2" orange flowers make a strong contrast Height 4 to 6 ft. Spread to 6 ft. Growth Rate moderate Environment: Exposure outdoors; full sun to partial shade Soil prefers a well-amended soil with good drainage Hardiness some frost (zones 15-17, 20-24) Morphology: Leaves ovate/oval to 2" long with winged petioles; medium green on upper surface, lower surface lighter; oppositely arranged with smooth surfaces Flowers peculiar orange tubular flowers with swept-back petals and a very dark splotch on lower petal; flowers through warm season Fruit tiny capsule Propagation: stem cuttings Usage: interesting plant used for brightly colored flowers and as a hummingbird attractor; flowers are also attractive to butterflies and other birds somewhat large and sprawling for small-scale locations Landscape Care: Watering prefers occasional deep watering; not particularly drought tolerant Fertilizing slow-release in spring Pruning head back long stems to keep compact Pests/Diseases none significant Special Conditions/Other Origin: Tropical Africa Family: Acanthaceae Notes: |
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