Ruellia squarrosa (Water Bluebell)
Water Bluebell, Creeping Ruellia, Trailing Ruellia
Ruellia squarrosa (Water Bluebell) is a low-growing, frost tender perennial with petunia-like, crepe-paper, violet-blue flowers in summer and ruffled, willowy, dark purplish-green leaves. Favored by water gardeners, it is often grown as an aquatic plant in water gardens or small ponds. It also does fine in a rather dry garden and can be grown as a groundcover.
- Grows up to 9-12 in. tall and wide (22-30 cm). This plant spreads by undergrown runners and self-seeds readily.
- Performs best in full sun or part shade in medium to wet soils. Can be grown in wet soils, along with other bog plants, and can be planted in water up to 2-3 in. (5-7 cm) deep.
- Virtually pest and disease free.
- Cut back foliage in fall before first frost.
- Easy to propagate by cuttings, division and seed.
- Native to Mexico.
Not sure which Ruellia to pick?
Compare All Ruellia
Buy Ruellia squarrosa (Water Bluebell)
Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 10 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Aquatic Plants, Perennials |
Plant Family | Ruellia |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 9" – 1' (22cm – 30cm) |
Spread | 9" – 1' (22cm – 30cm) |
Spacing | 12" (30cm) |
Water Needs | Average, High |
Maintenance | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Wet Soil |
Garden Uses | Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams, Water Gardens |
Wilarwan, Manassawee, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 10 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Aquatic Plants, Perennials |
Plant Family | Ruellia |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Summer (Early,Mid,Late) |
Height | 9" – 1' (22cm – 30cm) |
Spread | 9" – 1' (22cm – 30cm) |
Spacing | 12" (30cm) |
Water Needs | Average, High |
Maintenance | Low, Average |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Moisture Retentive, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Tolerance | Wet Soil |
Garden Uses | Ground Covers, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams, Water Gardens |