Katie Ruellia (White)

Ruellia simplex 'Katie White'

Light

Water

Moderate water; irrigate deeply, then allow the upper few inches of soil to dry. Water more frequently during extreme heat and establishment; established plants tolerate brief dry periods.

Size

1-2 ft tall × 1-2 ft wide

Habit

Perennial clump

Toxicity

Not Established

Description

A compact, white-flowered dwarf Mexican petunia with narrow, dark green leaves and abundant trumpet-shaped blooms; well suited to Phoenix landscapes with supplemental irrigation.

Bloom Time

Spring through fall

Deciduous / Evergreen

Semi-evergreen

Special Features

Attracts Bees / Pollinators, Attracts Butterflies, Heat Tolerant

Growth Rate

Moderate

Growth Habit

Perennial clump

Mature Size

1-2 ft tall × 1-2 ft wide

Flower Color

White

Foliage Color

Dark green

Landscape Use

Border / Bed, Container / Patio, Groundcover

Garden Style

Container / Patio, Pollinator / Wildlife

Soil

Amended / Rich

Companion Plants

Autumn sage, Bulbine, Dwarf lantana, Society garlic

Not Established

Not established — verify

Care Instructions

Light: Full sun to partial shade; afternoon shade is beneficial in Phoenix’s intense summer heat.

Water: Moderate water; irrigate deeply, then allow the upper few inches of soil to dry. Water more frequently during extreme heat and establishment; established plants tolerate brief dry periods.

Soil: Adaptable to most soils, including alkaline soils, provided drainage is adequate; compost improves poor desert soil.

Mature size: 8–12 inches tall and 12–24 inches wide.

Bloom: Repeatedly from spring through fall, with the strongest flowering during warm weather.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen in frost-free locations; foliage may die back after frost in Zone 9b, with regrowth in spring.

Growth rate: Moderate to fast during warm weather with regular irrigation.