The Mexican petunia, also known as Texas petunia, is a vigorous, shrubby, woody-based, rhizomatous perennial usually grown annually in areas north of USDA Zone 8. It is originally native to Mexico, but it has spread from gardens. It has become naturalized in parts of the southeastern U.S., from South Carolina to Texas, as well as in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The Katie Dwarf White Mexican Petunia is a lovely dwarf perennial that produces numerous white, trumpet-shaped flowers nestled among narrow, dark green glossy foliage from spring to frost. This resilient perennial is ideal for a border ground cover or in containers. Ruellia flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies.

If your dwarf Mexican Petunias grow too tall or become leggy, trim them back to a few inches above the ground, and they will quickly regrow and resume flowering. Once well established, these plants are drought-resistant but can also thrive in poorly drained, moist sites. While they can tolerate shade, they tend to flower best when grown in sunny areas.