axillary peduncles. Sunset 12-24 across (5 cm), from midsummer to fall. For those that desire a neat and tidy appearance, remove the old foliage before the new leaves emerge. Flowers are dark purple, bell-shaped, with five shallow lobes, 2" long. Quickly fills in as a ground cover. In flood irrigated landscapes, this shrub might become invasive. We like this dwarf variety because they feature low, spreading mounds of narrow, dark green foliage. At Moon Valley Nurseries, we are the growers so that we can assure the quality of all our trees, shrubs and other plants are the best-looking and healthiest ones in all of the Southwest! Dwarf ruellia maxes out at a mature height of about 12 inches and no more than a foot wide. Dwarf ruellia, as the name suggests, is a dwarf version of the classic Mexican petunia (Ruellia brittoniana). Makes an excellent addition to mixed containers or in the garden and unlike other Mexican Petunias it won't take over your garden via numerous unwanted seedlings but it does spread rhizomatously. Keep reading to learn more about growing ruellia. They are inexpensive, low … Flower Color is Purple/Lavender and blooms in Summer. As a hardy perennial (you only need to plant them once), the Mexican petunia is one of several desert plants that are recommended for warm, dry climates. Soil: Tolerant of some alkalinity, but prefers acidic to Be the first to review this product. Native of Mexico. Versatile shrub for use in mesic and oasis landscape design themes. Other varieties we carry are 'Chi Chi', with pink blooms and 'Katie' which is dwarf. Pruning: Prune to shape anytime. This Ruellia variety thrives in full sun or partial shade exposures and is durable and easy to care for plants. Acanthaceae : Form: Shrub Seasonality: Evergreen. Temperature: Freeze intolerant, but heat loving, except for dwarf cultivars which might need some These are a favorite for anyone that does not have a green thumb and still wants to have a thriving, colorful plant in their yard! Size: 3 ft high by 4 ft wide Leaves: Opposite, medium green, lance shaped Flowers: Purple, bell shaped with ruffled edges Fruit: Seed Stems/Trunks: Upright Range/Origin: Baja California, Sonora Desert Hardiness: Sunset Zones 12,13, 21-24, 28 o F It grows about 4ft. Ideal for mass planting, borders and sunny slopes Katie Ruellia or Ruellia brittoniana 'Katie,' is an improved variety and able to bloom beautiful pink or purple flowers almost all year long. Pronounciation: Ru-EL-lee-a brit-toe-nee-A-na, Hardiness zones especially during summer. Grows in Sun to Light Shade. Once established, they require little to moderate water use and these are also low-maintenance plants, so they can blossom with little care. stans, Bougainvillea, and many others with complementary flower colors for a tropical Ruellia brittoniana (Mexican Petunia) Ruellia brittoniana (Mexican Petunia) is a shrubby perennial boasting a profusion of petunia-like, vibrant lavender-blue flowers, 2 in. Ruellia simplex 'Katie' This refined groundcover works well for small areas. Ruellia simplex C.Wright is the oldest and accepted name for this species, which has been variously called Ruellia angustifolia (Nees) Lindau, Ruellia brittoniana Leonard, and Cryphiacanthus angustifolius Nees, among several synonyms. The genus is named after French botanist Jean Ruel, while the specific name refers to the simple, not compound leaves. Interestingly, the stem of this plant becomes more purple when it’s in bright light, as opposed to when it’s grown in a shady area, where the stem stays fairly green. Dwarf Katie Ruellia. There are very few rules in gardening, but perhaps the most important one is to work within your zone. There are very few rules in gardening, but perhaps the most important one is to work within your zone. They have a moderate growth rate, and with regular feeding of fertilizer, they will have the best development. This is zone 9A. I have grown both the dwarf and tall forms of Ruellia brittoniana here in the Sonora Desert of southern Arizona. petioles to 3/4 inch long; medium texture. This plant is a member of the Acanthus family (Acanthaceae) and is related to Mexican Honeysuckle. Ruellia Ruellia brittoniana. Its lanceolate leaves are dark green, serrated, and medium in texture. Ruellia flowers attract bees. Except for dwarf cultivars, often headed back severely to the ground in Popular cultivar ' We like this dwarf variety because they feature low, spreading mounds of narrow, dark green foliage. Ruellia Pink 'Chi Chi' thrive in full sun or light shade exposures and have a moderate growth rate. Hardiness zone 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b. Ruellia is an easy to grow Mexican and southwestern U.S. native that’s covered in purple petunia-like flowers from spring through fall complementing its dark green foliage beautifully. It was introduced to Florida in the 1940s. Thrives with regular and frequent irrigations Our nursery pros will be glad to help you select the perfect fertilizer for treating your dense soil. This low growing, shrubby perennial blooms pink, purple, or white flowers. Mexican petunia (Ruellia brittoniana) is a low-growing evergreen shrub with long leaves and blue or purple petunia-like flowers. Katie' is dwarf 10 to 12 inches tall, with violet flowers. Drought Tolerant with little care petunia, ‘ katie ’ is a stalk-like plant has... Than its parent plant, however variety of trees and plants, some of which are only available in regions. 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