It’s been hotter in Gurgaon and plant’s going to die if we
don’t make extra care this time.
Are there any plants that thrive in these conditions and
will beautify your gardens all summer? Of course, they are! Here is the first
of Great Summer Sizzlers. Plant them and be cool.
1. Dwarf Mexican Petunia (Katie)
Here’s the first one. It’s a dwarf called ‘Katie’. It grows about 10 inches high
and 12 inches wide. It sets few seeds and is not an aggressive spreader. Large,
pink-purple flowers appear from June until frost.
Mexican petunia flowers best in the full sun. Each flower opens for only
a single day, and the plant produces what seems like an endless number
of blooms. Many gardeners like Mexican petunia because it is easy to
grow and enjoy.
- Botanical Name: Ruellia brittoniana ‘Katie’, Ruellia tweediana ‘Katie’
- Common Name: Katie Dwarf Ruellia, Dwarf Mexican Petunia, Dwarf Purple Ruellia, Dwarf Blue Bell
- Family name: Acanthaceae
- Plant type: A low-growing herbaceous ornamental Perennial, originating from Mexico.
- Light: Prefers full sun though can tolerate partial shade. Blooms prolifically if planted in areas that receives the most sunlight.
- Moisture: Medium to low water requirement. Can grow in both dry and wet conditions.
- Soil: Though tolerant of high heat and humidity, it grows best in standard moist soil. A versatile plant that thrives in any kind of soil, be it acidic, sandy or clay.
- Propagation: By dividing its rhizomes (root ball) or from herbaceous stem cuttings that root very easily in moist soil or seeds, though it’s better to let it self-sow which it does quite aggressively.
- Care: Very low maintenance plant that does not need deadheading and is hardly bothered by serious insect or disease problems. Very occasionally bothered by snails, caterpillars, mealy bugs and white flies though, so an occasional check on the underside of leaves or bud clusters are advisable to prevent any spread if any. Ruellia brittoniana ‘Katie’ being a dwarf variety needs no pruning. If the colony of plants gets too big over time, just remove stray or excess plants by cutting straight into the root ball with a spade, dig and discard them. Preferably, grow them in hot and sunny areas to result in the most blooms.
- Usage: Being compact and low-growing, this Dwarf Purple Ruellia will be perfect as a front-of-the-border grouping in flower beds or groundcovers! Also, excellent for container gardening to brighten any garden spot or landscape with their colorful and plentiful blooms. Not excluding their great attraction to butterflies and bees!
