Mexican petunias will propagate easily from stem cuttings in the summer months, but this is not something that most gardeners have to do, as the plants readily self-seed to supply the garden with an endless supply of new Mexican petunias. In cooler areas, it can be grown as an annual. Look for a spot in your garage or basement where … Mexican petunia is a plant in the Ruellia genus. You can try to flush out the nitrogen with lots of generous watering to resolve this problem, or you can add a layer of mulch to the surface of the soil, as this can help to draw nitrogen out. If you experience a fairly dry winter, then you can continue to water the plant whenever the soil appears visibly dried out. A: Mexican petunia, Ruellia simplex, should grow perfectly well outdoors in the Atlanta area. They enjoy the warmth and can happily grow in a full sun position where they can bask in the heat all day long. Sun or partial shade; herbaceous, often freezing back in winter. Native to Mexico and western South America, Ruellia simplex, also known as R. tweediana, R. brittoniana , R. coerulea, and R. malacosperma, is cold hardy to USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It's a Class 1 invasive in our state. Mexican petunia is a beautiful plant bearing lovely flowers growing in full sun or partial shade. Care of Petunias During Winter Water the plants thoroughly and place them in a cool but above freezing location. Soil, which is high in nitrogen, will see the Mexican petunia produce lots of dark green foliage in favor of flowers. Your email address will not be published. Aside from flower production, the other way Mexican petunias are affected by light is with the color of their stems. The stems will die back to the ground after the first frost. Mexican Petunia plants tolerate a variety of conditions and once established, can be drought tolerant. There are several improved and shorter ruellia varieties on the market, like ‘ChiChi’ and ‘Purple Showers’, that might be less tolerant of cold than tall ruellia. The Mexican Petunia seeds can be started indoors in the late winter for transplanting outside, or start the Ruellia seeds directly outside. Answer: Mexican petunia is considered an herbaceous perennial, which means it freezes to the ground if it gets too cold and grows back from the base. Although there has been confusion over the plants’ proper name since a German botanist named them in 1879, most horticulturists now refer to them as R. tweediana. Propagation. Mexican petunias are a pretty flowering evergreen perennial that can be grown in containers, as shrub-like plants, or as ground cover. However, young plants need regular watering. The foliage often turns burgundy in fall. Remove all flowers, buds, and seed-pods, too. As the plant is not sensitive to heat, the time of day when the Mexican petunia gets direct sun is not important, though in general, sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon is preferable when growing a plant in partial shade. The plant can have a tendency to self-seed quite aggressively, with the seeds dispersing themselves as much as 10 feet away from the plant. Flowers are purple (‘Katie’) or pink (‘Bonita’). The Mexican Petunia is classified as a Category I Invasive in FL due to its tendency to get out of control and be very difficult to eradicate. Once established, Mexican petunias are very hardy, and can survive for long spells without water. They will survive both drought and flood, with no noticeable detrimental effects. ‘Rose Star’ (Petunia Ultra Series), whose flowers look striped because of its rose-pink flowers with a white center. The stems will die back to the ground after the first frost. In fact, R. brittoniana spreads by rhizomes and is self-seeding it has become naturalized in South Carolina, Texas, and Hawaii. They will still flower even in nutrient-deficient soils, though if a soil has a nutrient imbalance, then this is where problems can occur. After the flower fades, it will develop into a pod resembling a bean pod, containing a cluster of seeds. When growing in a colder climate, grow your Mexican petunias in containers so that you have the option of portability during the winter. ‘Sugar Daddy’ (Petunia Daddy Series), which sports purple flowers with dark veins. Mexican petunias (Ruellia brittoniana) are considered invasive plants in some areas since they easily spread seed and grow. They will thrive in warmer climates and have naturalized themselves in parts of Texas, Hawaii, and South Carolina. It was introduced to Florida in the 1940s. So, it is actually not maintenance free since if they are not kept in check (with constant pulling of the root system, not just the portion of the plant above ground), they will spread everywhere there is not a paved surface. It will grow in almost any condition, including poor quality soil, but for best results, you should use a well-draining and fertile soil. In the northern end of their grow zone Mexican Petunia plants should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months. The fruit is not ornamentally significant. It is so tolerant of soggy soil that it can be grown in up to 6 inches of water, along with other bog plants in shallow streams and waterlogged riverbanks. You can test for moisture by touching the top of the soil, or you can simply judge from sight. Mexican petunias are evergreen flowering shrubs, meaning they remain green over the winter when not in bloom. Mexican petunias thrive in full sun. The plants are winter-hardy from Zone 7 southward in Texas. As the Mexican petunia will grow in both dry or wet soil, the soil quality isn’t terribly important for this plant. These plants are cold hardy. It might not, however, be winter-hardy in north Georgia. The only soil a Mexican petunia may have a problem with is very acidic soil, so if your plant is struggling to grow, you should consider checking the pH of your soil in case this is the reason. Dwarf Mexican Petunia is a flowering perennial of a the “Acanthaceae” Family which includes plants such as Shrimp plant and Black Eyed Susan vine. The wild form has purple flowers, and is native to Mexico, Western South America and the Antilles. Q: I had Mexican petunia in my flower garden for the first time this year. Noteworthy Characteristics Petunia-like flowers from spring to frost. Fortunately, we are near the edge of the hardiness zone for Mexican petunia. If the top layer of soil is already moist, then you don’t need to add any further water. A: Mexican petunia, Ruellia simplex, should grow perfectly well outdoors in the Atlanta area. If you are growing these plants in a cooler climate, they should be protected from cold winters, either by moving them to a protected position out of the cold breeze, by bringing them indoors or by covering them with gardening fleece. Aside from removing dead or damaged stems, this plant doesn’t necessarily require pruning, but it depends on the type of look you like in your garden. ‘Katie’ is a low-growing Mexican petunia branching from the ground with woody stems and long willow-like leaves. It … The stems will die back to the ground after the first frost. It’s a hardy plant that be grown in zones 8 to 11. If you find insects, treat the plants before bringing them indoors. Unfortunately, these traits can also enable the plant to become invasive, so it will need to be kept in check. They last but one day. You can also deadhead the plant if you want to prevent self-seeding. Mexican petunias will propagate easily from stem cuttings in the summer months, but this is not something that most gardeners have to do, as the plants readily self-seed to supply the garden with an endless supply of new Mexican petunias. These flowers have a trumpet or bell shape, and rise high above the foliage of the plant, growing from dark purple-hued stems. But, it is hardy to zone 7, which covers a fair amount of Virginia, I believe, so, assuming the plant is in the ground, … They are most tolerant of the heat when grown in moist conditions and note that when grown in a hot climate, the plant will like to be watered more frequently. Native to Mexico and the southwestern U.S. Care Ruellia needs a warm climate. It is when the plant is growing in very moist soils that it tends to become overgrown more easily. Individual blooms are the size of quarters. They can survive drought, flood, heat, and poor soils, which will be a blessing for many gardeners. However, petunias usually tolerate temperatures as low as 39 F. (4 C.) with no problem, but they are definitely not plants that will survive the winter in most climates. In terms of frequency of watering, this will depend on lots of variables, including the lighting position that your plant is grown in, the climate, the type of soil, and whether it is growing directly in the ground or in a pot. Because pruning encourages more blooms, some experts, such as those at the University of Florida Nassau County Extension, do not recommend pruning Mexican petunias. If you want more of this plant growing in your garden, simply allow the flowers to turn to seed; they will drop to the ground and sow themselves where they land. Care of Petunias During Winter. If you want to encourage more flowers to appear, cut back the stems in early spring. They resemble petunia’s, as you would expect from their common name, but in fact, the Mexican petunia is not a petunia at all. If you have a Mexican petunia that is struggling to flower but has lots of lush foliage growth, then you may need to test your soil for nutrient imbalance. Dig up petunias in the fall before the first frost. Often confused with Ruellia tweediana, but its leaves are a bit shorter and wider. (16 to 18 C.). Each stem, which would have developed one flower, will respond by branching out several stems, which will each produce a flower. They have no scent but are still very attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Being cold hardy to zone 8 it would normally be grown in you location as an annual. Cut stems approximately 3 inches in length. Mexican-petunia (also known as Mexican bluebell or Britton’s petunia) is described as a “hardy perennial edging plant for flower beds and as colorful groundcovers.” Scientific names include Ruellia brittoniana, R. coerulea and R. tweediana, but taxonomists now use the name Ruellia simplex, which was the first name used to describe this species. By tactically pruning the plant in this way, you can increase the flower production quite dramatically, but the plant does tend to flower quite prolifically even without this measure. We don’t propagate very much Mexican petunia for our school plant sales anymore. They will also grow in partial shade, though plants grown in a partly shaded position may experience less flower development than those grown in full sun. Petunias for Winter-Bloom Before you take cuttings of your petunia, make sure the plant has been well-fed and watered. above the soil and plant them in pots before the first fall frost. A: Mexican petunia, Ruellia simplex, should grow perfectly well outdoors in the Atlanta area. Mexican petunias do not require feeding. Double Knockout Rose - Varieties, Care & Planting Information, 10 Best Perennial Flowers For Your Garden, 8 Exciting Japanese Flowers - Photos, Uses, and Care Guides, 9 Mexican Flowers with Photos & Growing Guides, Mexican petunia, Mexican bluebell, Florida bluebell, Desert petunia, Britton’s wild petunia, Purple ruellia. A. Mexican-petunia, Ruellia simplex (Acanthaceae family), a native to Mexico and western South America, was introduced to Florida in the 1940s. Trees.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. It prefers Full sun and that’s the reason it is grown in the USDA hardiness zones 8-11. Where Mexican Petunia Thrives This is a cold-hardy plant that grows well in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 7 through 11. You can also grow these plants indoors in pots, provided they have a sunny location. Dig and remove unwanted sprouts every May. If you would rather not have your garden taken over by Mexican petunias, you will need to deadhead the blooms once they fade. Shrubby perennial native to Mexico. The blue flowers are attractive in late summer through fall. The Ruellia, Mexican petunia, is a perennial in zones 8 to 11. When grown in the garden, the best way to manage their watering is to maintain moist, but not soggy, soil. Floribundas ‘Celebrity’ series petunias are compact and rain-tolerant. Then remove all leaves from the lower half of the stem. Dwarf Mexican petunia will grow in full sun to partial shade (though you'll get the most flowers in more sun). Secondly, do Mexican petunias die in winter? The flowers reach 2½ to 3 inches across. Keep them away from any heat vents and electrical equipment.In the winter, indoor Mexican petunias must only be watered when the soil shows signs of drying. Learn more. The plant grows rapidly, and because of this, it is known as an invasive species in some regions, notably Florida. Additionally, how do you keep petunias alive in the winter? It might not, however, be winter-hardy in north Georgia. If you prefer a well-manicured style, then prune the plant to your desired shape. Upon bursting, the seeds will be dispersed onto the ground, where they will sow themselves. In warm locations with plenty of sun, it will bloom throughout the year. Even in Zone 10, some leaves may turn a reddish color during winter's cold snaps. They grow rapidly and spread easily, even in conditions that would be less than ideal for many plants. Its narrow leaves are dark green in color with hints of steel blue. Indoor plants must be watered regularly as well during hot weather. However, this spreading perennial is invasive and banned in some states. Can I leave it out for the winter or do I have to take it inside? If you have a history of poor watering habits or have experienced plants that die from either overwatering or from lack of water, then the Mexican petunia would be a great feature in your garden, as it will not have a problem with inconsistent watering. Christmas Tree Economics: Are Baby Boomers Killing the Christmas Tree Industry? •Mexican petunia had high germination, regardless of the temperature •Native species had seasonal variation with germination Sow native species at higher rates during the fall Mexican petunia in summer treatment (35/25 °C) on day 28 Background Experiments Future Research Mexican petunias are a very hardy plant in many aspects, and they will tolerate a wide range of suboptimal growing conditions, but the one area in which they fall down is in very low temperatures. However, they’re produced almost continuously, so the plant is always showy. When growing in a colder climate, grow your Mexican petunias in containers so that you have the option of portability during the winter. The flowers of the Mexican petunia bloom from the middle of summer through to fall. Each flower only lasts one day, but during the long blooming season, the plant produces so many flowers that you will never be short on the pretty purple blossoms. They have also naturalized in Florida, where they grow so aggressively that they are able to choke out other plants that are native to the state. The blue flowers are attractive in late summer through fall. Cut the petunias back to about 2 inches (5 cm.) During winter, you shouldn’t need to water the plant so long as there is sufficient rainfall. The patio zone is 4a-11 which means the potted plant will flourish over the summer months in colder zones but must be brought inside … They can be propagated from divisions, by stem cuttings or even by seed. In the most extreme cases, you may need to dig up your plant and transplant it to a different soil. They typically measure around 2 inches in diameter and have a delicate lilac-blue color. The stems will die back to the ground after the first frost. Browse and purchase gardening books by Walter Reeves, plus select titles by other authors. With some care to protect it in the winter, it will also survive zone 7. There are several different varieties available and some are more aggressive than others. As long as you follow a basic desert garden to-do list and keep to a conventional summer watering schedule, you should have no problem raising bushels of these purple blossoms. Check them over carefully to make sure they aren’t infested with insects. Blooms in late fall in most areas, through winter in the Tropical South. If you plant it at one end of a big flower bed it will spread a couple of feet outward each year. When allowed to grow in these conditions, they will produce an abundance of flowers. The blue flowers are attractive in late summer through fall. If you grow these plants in containers, you have the option of moving them throughout the year to a full sun position during summertime, then a more protected and potentially shaded position during cooler months. Those planted in sheltered places are rarely killed or even injured. Mexican petunias are very heat-tolerant, so don’t feel the need to shade them to protect them from the heat. ©2020 Walter Reeves / The Simple Gardener, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Currently Reading Neil Sperry: The best way to treat for dandelions Mexican petunia flower colors include blue, purple, pink and white. These plants are hardy through USDA hardiness zones 7 to 11. Neil Sperry also addresses invasive Mexican petunia, persistent fungus gnats and more in his Down to Earth column. Examine the plants thoroughly for pests before you … Email The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. When planted in open areas, winter will spank them every few years. … It might not, however, be winter-hardy in north Georgia. The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. The standard Mexican petunia is Ruellia brittoniana, and it can spread if given a chance, especially in good soil with ample water. 9 Different Indoor Tropical Plants - Growing Guides & Photos. Mexican Petunia features showy pink trumpet-shaped flowers with purple overtones at the ends of the stems from late winter to mid fall. In Zone 9B they may die back in winter but usually bounce back in spring. It might not, however, be winter-hardy in north Georgia. Rather than leave a bare area for winter, I plant iris, hardy amaryllis, and daffodils in their garden spot. If protected in the garden during the winter or planted in pots that could be moved to a protected area some may survive to zone 7 possibly zone 6 from what I have read. Be aware that the common “tall ruellia” can be a bit invasive unless contained. I. f you want to keep it under control in your garden, then allow the plant a little less water. Mexican petunias are incredibly tolerant of any watering conditions. A winter seeding works well for directly sowing in the flower bed. A: Mexican petunia, Ruellia simplex, should grow perfectly well outdoors in the Atlanta area. Best grown as a container plant and given shelter during frosty weather. Rather than leave a bare area for winter, I plant iris, hardy amaryllis, and daffodils in their garden spot. The seeds have been known to travel quite a distance from the plant; this is helped by rainfall or watering hoses, which can carry the seeds further than usual. We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. In bright light, their stems will be purple, while plants kept in partial shade will have bright green stems (SF Gate). In Florida the question is not how to keep Mexican petunia (Ruellia brittoniana ) alive, but how to get rid of it. Site in partial shade and fertile, consistently moist, but well-drained soil. You can do this by watering the plant as soon as the top layer of the soil starts to dry out. If your soil is nutrient deficient, your Mexican petunia should still produce a good number of flowers, but you can help it along by adding a balanced fertilizer if you wish. mexican petunia ruellia malacosperma. The blue flowers are attractive in late summer through fall. 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