Rabbit ears, Ruttya fruticosa

Rabbit Ears (Ruttya fruticosa), belonging to the Acanthaceae family, is a captivating perennial shrub native to Madagascar. Celebrated for its unique foliage and vibrant blooms, this tropical plant enchants gardeners with its distinctive appearance. At Jagtap Nursery, discover the allure of Rabbit Ears and explore a wide selection of exotic plants to enhance your garden's beauty.

Appearance:

Rabbit Ears stands out with its remarkable, velvety, dark green leaves that have a soft, fuzzy texture. The leaves are elongated and possess a charming heart shape, resembling the ears of a rabbit, which explains its common name.

Flowers:

One of the most striking features of Rabbit Ears is its dazzling, tubular, orange-red to scarlet flowers. These vivid blooms are adorned with intricate patterns and often attract pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds.

Blooming Season:

Rabbit Ears typically produces its vibrant blossoms during the warm months, providing a delightful burst of color to your garden from late spring through summer.

Ideal Location in Landscaping:

Rabbit Ears can be a captivating addition to your garden or landscape:

1. Accent Plant: Use it as a focal point in your garden, where its unique foliage and colorful flowers can draw attention and create visual interest.
2. Container Gardening: Rabbit Ears adapts well to container gardening, allowing you to showcase its vibrant beauty on patios, decks, or balconies.
3. Pollinator Garden: Its bright, tubular flowers make it an excellent choice for attracting pollinators like butterflies and hummingbirds to your garden.

Maintenance and Care:

Rabbit Ears is generally low-maintenance and relatively easy to care for:

• Sunlight: It thrives in full sun to partial shade, making it versatile in different lighting conditions.
• Soil: Well-draining soil is essential for Rabbit Ears. A loamy, fertile mix is ideal for optimal growth.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Regular watering during dry spells is recommended.
• Pruning: Prune to shape the plant and remove dead or overgrown branches as needed. This can be done after the flowering season.

Pest and Diseases:

Rabbit Ears is generally resilient to pests and diseases. However, like many garden plants, it can occasionally face issues like aphids or spider mites. Regular inspections and prompt treatment with appropriate insecticides can help keep these issues in check.