This variety of Ruellia is a drought tolerant, durable perennial that handles heat and humidity and continues to bloom all summer-long, without deadheading. Bluish purple, petunia-like funnel-shaped flowers nestle in a background of narrow, green leaves. The shape and color of the flowers give it its other common name of Mexican Petunia. Easy to grow and maintain, they are shade tolerant but flower best when grown in sunny areas. If they get too tall or leggy for your preference, just cut them back to a few inches above the ground and they will quickly regrow and soon return to flowering. Katie Ruellia is considered disease, insect and deer resistant and is also usually evergreen in frost-free areas.