Compact color that keeps on blooming

Katie Ruellia, also known as Dwarf Mexican Petunia, is a Texas Superstar® selection valued for its showy bluish-purple flowers and compact, mounding habit. It blooms repeatedly through the warm months, adding dependable color along walkways, in borders, or in containers while attracting butterflies. ‘Katie’ is an improved variety that doesn’t require deadheading and spreads less aggressively than the species types.

This vigorous, heat-loving perennial is drought resistant once established and performs well in full sun. It’s adaptable to both dry, hot conditions as well as boggy, wet sites. Katie’s tidy size makes it easy to fit into smaller spaces, mass plantings, and low-maintenance landscapes. In frost free climates, it remains evergreen year round.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant or repot within 4 weeks of arrival. Choose a location with full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. Space plants about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow their mounded growth to fill in.

2. Watering: Water deeply and regularly during the first growing season. Once established, the plant is drought resistant, though occasional watering during extended dry periods supports better flowering.

3. Pruning: Trim back spent stems or uneven growth as needed to maintain a compact shape. Cut back older growth in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

4. Fertilizing: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring. Avoid overfertilizing, which can encourage excess foliage at the expense of flowers.