Katie Ruellia Plant

Our Katie Ruellia plant has soft, mounding, willow-like foliage on which pretty lavender-hued, trumpet-shaped blossoms with petunia-like petals await the arrival of the hummingbirds, butterflies and the oh-so important honey bee. This improved variety will bloom throughout a long season and will not require deadheading unless grown in a consistently warm and moist area where it can become invasive. Extremely drought-tolerant once established!

Our Ruellia (Mexican Petunia) Plants are grown with care and free from harmful pesticides, ensuring they are a safe and vibrant addition to your garden. Guaranteed to arrive healthy and ready to thrive!

Planting Instructions:

• - Best planted in spring or fall for optimal root establishment
• - Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for mature growth and spreading

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-7.5
• - Prefers well-drained soil but tolerates wet, boggy conditions as well

Watering Specifics:

• - Water thoroughly when first planted, keeping the soil consistently moist
• - Once established, Ruellia is drought-tolerant but prefers regular watering during dry periods

Fertilizer Type:

• - Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring to promote healthy growth and blooming
• - Avoid over-fertilizing, as Ruellia performs well even in lean soil conditions

Pruning and Training:

• - Trim back in late winter to encourage fresh growth in spring
• - Deadhead spent flowers to keep the plant looking tidy, though Ruellia flowers bloom continuously

Additional Pest Management:

• - Generally pest-free but may attract aphids or spider mites in dry conditions
• - Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal issues in overly damp conditions

Blooming Indicators:

• - Blooms from spring to fall with trumpet-shaped flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Hardy in USDA zones 8-11, tolerates heat, humidity, and periods of drought

Companion Plants for Ruellia:

• - Lavender: Complements Ruellia with its fragrant, drought-tolerant foliage and purple blooms
• - Salvia: Adds spikes of blue or purple flowers that contrast beautifully with Ruellia’s trumpet-shaped blooms
• - Coreopsis: Provides bright yellow flowers that create a striking contrast with Ruellia’s vibrant blooms
• - Echinacea: Complements Ruellia with its bold, daisy-like blooms and pollinator appeal
• - Achillea: Offers clusters of long-lasting flowers that pair beautifully with Ruellia’s continuous blooms