Xeriscape Landscaping Plants For The Arizona Desert Environment
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Groundcovers

Desert Ruellia, Ruellia brittoniana "Katie"

Katie Ruellia, Ruellia brittoniana

Katie Ruellia, (Ruellia brittoniana Katie)	Katie Ruellia, (Ruellia brittoniana Katie)
Katie Ruellia, (Ruellia brittoniana Katie)	Katie Ruellia, (Ruellia brittoniana Katie)

Katie Ruellia Ruellia brittoniana, Acanthus Family: ( Acanthaceae ), Katie Ruellia. Also called: Mexican Petunia or Mexican barrio ruellia. The flowers of Ruellia brittoniana 'Katie' are petunia like, however they are more cup shaped and funnel-like. The plants are erect, 1 - 2 feet tall and they have few branches. The leaves are 6 - 12 inches long, narrow at the base and very short. The blooms are on the top of the plant in clusters of trumpet-shaped flowers. Mexican Petunias prefer full sun but will tolerate some shade (to the sacrifice of some flowering). Flowering on Katie Ruellia occurs from the late spring to mid summer. Ruellia can tolerate abuse and neglect and it is drought tolerant. This variety has pink colored flowers and dark green leaves. This is a very popular landscaping plant in Arizona and it is considered an evergreen shrub. It is classed as a noxious weed in Florida. Other varieties of Ruella come in purple or blue. Height: Evergreen bush slowly growing to about 36 inches tall and 36 inches wide. Flowers: The flowers are in leaf axils with 2 - 3 inch long funnel-shaped pink flowers. Stalk: The stems are purple. Blooming Time: Mid March - November. Leaves: Linear, lancolate, serrate, prominent purple venation. They are 6 - 12 inches in length and 1/2 - 3/4 inches wide. Under Arizona hot conditions the foliage assumes a metallic blue cast. Found: Found throughout lower elevations in Arizona. Elevation: 0 - 2500 Feet. Habitat: Alkaline, well-drained/light soils. An ideal landscape plant in Arizona. Native of Mexico and the SW USA. Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken March 06, 2006. Glendale.