Violet colored, petunia-like flowers emerge upon dark-green foliage in the spring, and continue to flower rampantly throughout the year until this easy-to-grow perennial gets too cold. Dwarf ruellia, as the name suggests, is a dwarf version of the classic Mexican petunia (Ruellia brittoniana). Its growth habit is much different than its parent plant, however. Densely packed foliage makes this mounding groundcover shrub look and feel lush. Dwarf ruellia maxes out at a mature height of about 12 inches and no more than a foot wide. It is attractive in pots, beds, and as a border plant. It does well in both sun and shade, but flowering is dependent on how much sunlight is received. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, even soil that stays consistently wet. Plant dwarf ruellia around pools or ponds for a mini-oasis feel.
Height: 12 – 18 inches
Width: 1 – 2 feet
Bloom color: Lavender Blue
Flowering season: Spring, Summer, Fall
USDA minimum zone: 9
Cold hardiness: 25° F
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