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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