Katie White

Plant Type: evergreen perennial groundcover
Plant Height: 10–12 inches
Spread: 12–18 inches
Flower Color: pure white
Sun Exposure: Full sun, Partial Shade

Katie White Dwarf Ruellia (Ruellia brittoniana ‘Katie White’): Compact Groundcover with Clean White Blooms

Katie White is a dwarf form of Mexican petunia, selected for its compact size and crisp white flowers. With a low, mounding habit and long bloom season, it’s ideal for borders, edging, containers, or mass plantings where bright, continuous color and low maintenance are desired.

Key Features of Katie White Dwarf Ruellia

• Pure White Blooms: Trumpet-shaped flowers bloom abundantly from spring through fall.
• Compact Size: Forms a tidy, rounded mound just 10–12 inches tall.
• Heat & Drought Tolerant: Thrives in Arizona’s hot climate with minimal care once established.
• Low Maintenance: Naturally neat and pest-resistant, requiring little upkeep.

Growing and Care Tips

Katie White is easy to grow and adds clean, bright color to the landscape.

Soil: Prefers well-draining sandy or loamy soils.
Water: Moderate water needs; blooms best with regular irrigation.
Fertilizer: Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring to support flowering.
Pruning: Rarely needed; a light trim in winter refreshes foliage for spring.

Landscaping Uses

• Borders & Edging: Perfect for walkways and flower beds.
• Groundcover: Creates a lush, colorful carpet when mass planted.
• Containers: Excellent in pots and mixed plantings.
• Pollinator Gardens: Flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Summary

Katie White Dwarf Ruellia offers a season-long display of crisp white flowers in a compact, low-maintenance form. Its resilience, heat tolerance, and continuous blooms make it a reliable choice for Arizona gardens.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Katie White Dwarf Ruellia

Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun for heaviest bloom; tolerates partial shade.
Soil: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil.
Spacing: Plant 12–18 inches apart for groundcover effect.
Planting Depth: Keep crown level with surrounding soil.
Support: Not needed—naturally forms a dense mound.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Deep water after planting.
• Frequency: Every 3–4 days for first 2–3 weeks.
• Watering Amount: Enough to soak 6–8 inches deep.

When is the Plant Established?

• Generally after 2–3 months of consistent watering.

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water weekly for best bloom; drought-tolerant if watered every 10–14 days.
• Winter: Water every 3–4 weeks if dry.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

Placement of Emitters: Place 1 emitter 6 inches from base.
Flow Rate: 0.5–1 gallon per hour.
Number of Emitters: One per plant; two for larger clumps in sandy soils.
Adjusting Frequency: Increase during peak summer heat; reduce in cooler months.

General Watering Tips for Katie White Dwarf Ruellia:

• Soil Check: Allow the top inch of soil to dry between waterings.
• Avoid Overwatering: Excess moisture may reduce blooming.
• Mulch: Apply gravel or bark mulch to help conserve soil moisture and reduce weeds.