Katie Mexican petunia
Ruellia simplex 'Katie'
USDA zones8 to 10
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size6 to 9 inches tall6 to 12 inches wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Bluish-purple
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
'Katie' Mexican petunia (Ruellia simplex 'Katie') is a perennial for borders, rock gardens, rain gardens, and pollinator gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 8, or down to 10°F (-12°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. It grows fast and stays low, with bluish-purple blooms in summer and again in autumn. Deer tend to pass it by. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds visit it, and it tolerates drought.
Pairs well with Calla lily, Mondo grass, and Meadowsweet.