Ruellia-like Fox Plant Care

Ruellia-like Fox (Ourisia ruellioides) belongs to the Plantaginaceae family within the Ourisia genus. Ruellia-like Fox is native to mountainous habitats of the Andes of southern Argentina and Chile.

Ruellia-like Fox displays a low rosette, spreading ground cover growth habit, reaching up to 0.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 1 ft. Ruellia-like Fox produces small, tubular flowers in shades of pink, purple, or white.

Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Ruellia-like Fox every 4–7 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Ruellia-like Fox thrives in partial shade to full shade. The optimal light range is 100–1,000 lux. Avoid placing Ruellia-like Fox in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Ourisia ruellioides tolerates temperatures of 50–75°F. Ruellia-like Fox prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Well-draining, slightly acidic soil with good organic content. Good drainage is essential for Ruellia-like Fox to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Ruellia-like Fox every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with partial shade to full shade and well-draining, slightly acidic soil with good organic content. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Ruellia-like Fox is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Ruellia-like Fox can spread to about 1 ft (0.3 m) and reach about 1 ft (0 m) tall. Space plants about 1 ft (0.3 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune Ruellia-like Fox while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

Ruellia-like Fox is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Ruellia-like Fox can be propagated through seeds, division of clumps. Similar propagation techniques also apply to tufted foxglove plant care, which shares the same genus.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

Ruellia-like Fox is susceptible to aphids, slugs, snails. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

Ruellia-like Fox grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Ruellia-like Fox is native to mountainous habitats of the Andes of southern Argentina and Chile. In cooler regions, grow Ruellia-like Fox as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.