Alphabetical Plant Listing

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.

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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

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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

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Ruellia squarrosa (Water Bluebell)

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