Ruellia

Dwarf Katie Ruellia (Ruellia brittoniana 'Katie')

Scientific Name: Ruellia brittoniana 'Katie'
Common Names: Dwarf Katie Ruellia, Dwarf Mexican Petunia
Native to: Cultivar; parent species native to Mexico and South America
Lighting Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Height: 6-10 inches
Width: 12-18 inches
Winter Look: Dies back  in Central Texas
Seasonal Interest: Spring to fall (purple, pink, or white trumpet-shaped flowers)
Drought Tolerance: Moderate; tolerates dry spells once established
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soils (does well in my clay soil)
pH Range: 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8-11
Deer Resistance: Moderate; sometimes browsed by deer
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies

Notes: Ideal for borders, ground cover, or containers, this plant is low-maintenance. Deer may browse, but I tend to plant a bunch and allow the deer to nibble away when they're hungry. I've never seen them kill these plants once they're established.

Dwarf Katie Ruellias occasionally get powdery mildew if not allowed to dry out between waterings. This is easily treated with Neem Oil.

Ruellia squarrosa (Ruellia squarrosa)

Scientific Name: Ruellia squarrosa
Common Names: Blue Shade Ruellia, Creeping Ruellia
Native to: Mexico, Central America, and parts of the Southern United States
Lighting Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Height: 1-2 feet
Width: 1-2 feet (slowly spreading)
Winter Look: Dies back in frost-prone areas; semi-evergreen in milder climates
Seasonal Interest: Late spring to fall (purple, funnel-shaped flowers)
Drought Tolerance: Moderate; tolerates dry conditions once established
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils (does well in my clay soil)
pH Range: 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8-11
Deer Resistance: Moderate; occasionally browsed by deer
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Notes: This variety is great for borders and mass plantings. It is easy to grow and low-maintenance.

Ruellia simplex (Ruellia simplex)

Scientific Name: Ruellia simplex  (has been known by many other names)
Common Names: Mexican Petunia, Purple Ruellia
Native to: Mexico, Central America
Lighting Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Height: 2-3 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Winter Look: Dies back
Seasonal Interest: Spring to fall (purple, funnel-shaped flowers)
Drought Tolerance: Moderate; tolerates dry conditions once established
Soil Requirements: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soils (I think these would grow in any soil!)
pH Range: 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8-11
Deer Resistance: Moderate; occasionally browsed by deer
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds

Notes: Can become invasive in some areas. This one is in the Texas Invasives Database. I do not recommend planting this variety. I've included it only to show you what it looks like and warn you of its invasive nature.