That’s just one of the reasons people love Mexican petunia.
Mexican petunia is not a real petunia, but its flower looks like one.
One accepted botanical name isRuellia brittoniana, but you’ll also see it calledR.
Credit:Getty Images
However, taxonomists have begun to use the nameR.
The flowers grow in the shape of trumpets and can either bloom individually or in clusters.
Plant in spring after the last frost.
Credit:Achisatha Khamsuwan / Getty Images
Just be careful about which key in you grow and where you grow it.
Plant Attributes
Is Mexican Petunia Invasive?
The fact that this plant is a survivor means it can get out of hand.
Credit:Steve Bender
The typically large, horizontal-growing rhizomes often peek aboveground.
And its exploding seed capsules scatter seedlings far and wide.
In wet climates and unmanaged areas, itcan be invasive.
So should you still plant it?
It is incrediblyeasy to growin full to partial sun.
And as mentioned before, butterflies and hummingbirds covet it.
Individual flowers last for only one day, but there are always new flowers opening.
Light
Mexican petunias will grow in partial shade but do best in full sun.
In shade, it will grow lanky and bloom less.
Mexican petunias can tolerate light shade in very hot climates.
Mexican petunia will grow in dry or sandy soils, too.
The plant is most likely to become invasive in wet soils in hot climates.
Mulch the plants to conserve moisture, and water new transplants regularly to keep the soil slightly moist.
In frost-free areas, Mexican petunia is evergreen and becomes more shrubby.
This plant loves humidity but is also a popular choice in dry climates due to its drought tolerance.
Potted plants can benefit from slow-release fertilizer.
It grows only a foot tall and blooms off and on all summer.
It will spread by seed somewhat, but not enough to be annoying.
It does well in sun and light shade and is more cold-hardy than Mexican petunia.
Pruning
After the foliage dies from frost, cut Mexican petunia back to the ground.
you’re free to also pinch off faded flowers to prevent the plant from setting seed.
Keep in mind that propagating trademarked cultivars is prohibited.
Propagate Mexican petunia through division, cuttings, or seed.
Dividing plants is generally most successful in the spring and on cloudy days.
The mother plant will send out horizontal rhizomes that develop into new shoots.
Then dig up the new shoots for transplanting in the desired location.
Seed from dwarf cultivars growing in your garden can produce a completely different-looking plant.
you’re able to start them indoors in late winter.
Place in a location that stays between 72 and 76 degrees Fahrenheit.
Keep the seed-starting mix moist until germination, which takes seven to 10 days.
Use rich, high-quality potting soil with good drainage.
Water regularly, as keeping the soil moist will result in the most vigorous growth and blooming.
Repot Mexican petunia about every year or when the plant has doubled in size.
Spring is thebest time to repotthe plant, when it is emerging from winter dormancy.
Overwintering
Mexican petunias cannot survive cold winters in the Upper and Middle South.
The good news is you canoverwinter your plantindoors if you live in Zones 6 or 7.
If it isn’t already in a container, dig up your Mexican petunia and plant it in one.
The plant can be trimmed back if leggy.
Set the container indoors in bright light.
Keep soil moderately moist.
Remove severely affected leaves.
Spray the plant with horticultural oil, repeating a week later if necessary.
In frost-free climates, this plant can bloom year-round.
However, there are a few reasons your plant might not be blooming.
Mexican petuniablooms best in full sun; move to a sunnier location if your plant is in shade.
If you have had a long dry spell, giving your plant some water could help it produce flowers.
It is an aggressive grower and is susceptible to brown leaves.
Remove the flowers before seeds drop, or choose a sterile cultivar that will not produce seeds.
Leaves Turning Brown
Brown leaves most likely indicate damage from cold weather.
Remove damaged leaves and move the plant indoors or to a warmer location.
It can recover once grown in warmer temperatures.
Leaves may also appear wilted and growth may slow.
Good soil drainage and allowing the soil to dry out between waterings can help prevent overwatering.
you oughta remove all parts of the plant, including the roots, to get rid of it.
An herbicide like glyphosphate can also help, but be cautious because it can kill surrounding plants as well.
Lantana also attracts pollinators, and salvia tolerates drought.
NC State Extension.Ruellia simplex.
University of Florida IFAS Extension.
VanZandt, N.Plants and Intellectual Property.University of Vermont Extension.
February 23, 2023.
Marek, A.Happy Halloweeding: Mexican petunia.
University of Florida IFAS Extension.
October 17, 2022.
