Ruellia simplex 'Katie'
Light: Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade helps reduce stress in Phoenix’s intense summer heat.
Water: Moderate water for best flowering. Water deeply, then let the upper soil dry slightly; irrigate more frequently during extreme heat. Tolerates brief drought once established.
Soil: Well-drained soil; tolerates sandy, loamy, and alkaline soils. Incorporate compost into very poor soil and avoid persistently waterlogged conditions.
Mature size: 10–12 inches tall and 12–24 inches wide.
Bloom: Spring through fall, often into early winter in frost-protected Phoenix locations.
Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in frost-free conditions; may become semi-evergreen or die back during freezes, usually regrowing from the roots in spring.
Growth rate: Moderate to fast with warmth and regular irrigation.