Ruellia squarrosa (Water Bluebell)

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.