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. Noteworthy Characteristics Petunia-like flowers from spring to frost. The plants are winter-hardy from Zone 7 southward in Texas. Soil, which is high in nitrogen, will see the Mexican petunia produce lots of dark green foliage in favor of flowers. 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. A: Mexican petunia, Ruellia simplex, should grow perfectly well outdoors in the Atlanta area. During winter, you shouldn’t need to water the plant so long as there is sufficient rainfall. 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. In the northern end of their grow zone Mexican Petunia plants should be brought indoors or protected during the winter months. Learn more. They typically measure around 2 inches in diameter and have a delicate lilac-blue color. Mexican petunias (Ruellia brittoniana) are considered invasive plants in some areas since they easily spread seed and grow. These plants are cold hardy. In Florida the question is not how to keep Mexican petunia (Ruellia brittoniana ) alive, but how to get rid of it. 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. The stems will die back to the ground after the first frost. Its narrow leaves are dark green in color with hints of steel blue. They can survive drought, flood, heat, and poor soils, which will be a blessing for many gardeners. These plants are hardy through USDA hardiness zones 7 to 11. Blooms in late fall in most areas, through winter in the Tropical South. 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. 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. 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. 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. The stems will die back to the ground after the first frost. Q: I had Mexican petunia in my flower garden for the first time this year. 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. 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. Currently Reading Neil Sperry: The best way to treat for dandelions 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. Native to Mexico and the southwestern U.S. Care Ruellia needs a warm climate. ‘Katie’ is a low-growing Mexican petunia branching from the ground with woody stems and long willow-like leaves. Christmas Tree Economics: Are Baby Boomers Killing the Christmas Tree Industry? 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. They can be propagated from divisions, by stem cuttings or even by seed. They will thrive in warmer climates and have naturalized themselves in parts of Texas, Hawaii, and South Carolina. Examine the plants thoroughly for pests before you … Propagation. It might not, however, be winter-hardy in north Georgia. If you want to encourage more flowers to appear, cut back the stems in early spring. … 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. 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. 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. Mexican Petunia features showy pink trumpet-shaped flowers with purple overtones at the ends of the stems from late winter to mid fall. We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. The blue flowers are attractive in late summer through fall. In warm locations with plenty of sun, it will bloom throughout the year. However, they’re produced almost continuously, so the plant is always showy. Rather than leave a bare area for winter, I plant iris, hardy amaryllis, and daffodils in their garden spot. We don’t propagate very much Mexican petunia for our school plant sales anymore. 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 … Those planted in sheltered places are rarely killed or even injured. With some care to protect it in the winter, it will also survive zone 7. Individual blooms are the size of quarters. A winter seeding works well for directly sowing in the flower bed. They grow rapidly and spread easily, even in conditions that would be less than ideal for many plants. They will survive both drought and flood, with no noticeable detrimental effects. mexican petunia ruellia malacosperma. Where Mexican Petunia Thrives This is a cold-hardy plant that grows well in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 7 through 11. It is when the plant is growing in very moist soils that it tends to become overgrown more easily. If the top layer of soil is already moist, then you don’t need to add any further water. It's a Class 1 invasive in our state. If you find insects, treat the plants before bringing them indoors. Floribundas ‘Celebrity’ series petunias are compact and rain-tolerant. Mexican petunia is a plant in the Ruellia genus. ‘Sugar Daddy’ (Petunia Daddy Series), which sports purple flowers with dark veins. Check them over carefully to make sure they aren’t infested with insects. Can I leave it out for the winter or do I have to take it inside? Being cold hardy to zone 8 it would normally be grown in you location as an annual. It might not, however, be winter-hardy in north Georgia. However, young plants need regular watering. Be aware that the common “tall ruellia” can be a bit invasive unless contained. When grown in the garden, the best way to manage their watering is to maintain moist, but not soggy, soil. Email The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. The Ruellia, Mexican petunia, is a perennial in zones 8 to 11. Additionally, how do you keep petunias alive in the winter? The stems will die back to the ground after the first frost. Mexican petunias are very heat-tolerant, so don’t feel the need to shade them to protect them from the heat. When growing in a colder climate, grow your Mexican petunias in containers so that you have the option of portability during the winter. The foliage often turns burgundy in fall. Browse and purchase gardening books by Walter Reeves, plus select titles by other authors. 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. A: Mexican petunia, Ruellia simplex, should grow perfectly well outdoors in the Atlanta area. The content of this field is kept private and will not be shown publicly. 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. Remove all flowers, buds, and seed-pods, too. Cut stems approximately 3 inches in length. Dig and remove unwanted sprouts every May. ©2020 Walter Reeves / The Simple Gardener, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. A. Mexican-petunia, Ruellia simplex (Acanthaceae family), a native to Mexico and western South America, was introduced to Florida in the 1940s. Upon bursting, the seeds will be dispersed onto the ground, where they will sow themselves. When growing in a colder climate, grow your Mexican petunias in containers so that you have the option of portability during the winter. 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. You can also deadhead the plant if you want to prevent self-seeding. The blue flowers are attractive in late summer through fall. Dwarf Mexican petunia will grow in full sun to partial shade (though you'll get the most flowers in more sun). Mexican petunias are incredibly tolerant of any watering conditions. It’s a hardy plant that be grown in zones 8 to 11. While the Mexican petunia blooms beautifully, its roots are aggressive and it’s known as an invasive plant. But, it is hardy to zone 7, which covers a fair amount of Virginia, I believe, so, assuming the plant is in the ground, … However, this spreading perennial is invasive and banned in some states. The stems will die back to the ground after the first frost. Rather than leave a bare area for winter, I plant iris, hardy amaryllis, and daffodils in their garden spot. A: Mexican petunia, Ruellia simplex, should grow perfectly well outdoors in the Atlanta area. Neil Sperry also addresses invasive Mexican petunia, persistent fungus gnats and more in his Down to Earth column. These flowers have a trumpet or bell shape, and rise high above the foliage of the plant, growing from dark purple-hued stems. The standard Mexican petunia is Ruellia brittoniana, and it can spread if given a chance, especially in good soil with ample water. 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. They will still flower even in nutrient-deficient soils, though if a soil has a nutrient imbalance, then this is where problems can occur. 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. The Mexican Petunia seeds can be started indoors in the late winter for transplanting outside, or start the Ruellia seeds directly outside. Cut the petunias back to about 2 inches (5 cm.) It will grow in almost any condition, including poor quality soil, but for best results, you should use a well-draining and fertile soil. It prefers Full sun and that’s the reason it is grown in the USDA hardiness zones 8-11. Mexican petunias do not require feeding. Aside from flower production, the other way Mexican petunias are affected by light is with the color of their stems. Mexican petunias thrive in full sun. I. f you want to keep it under control in your garden, then allow the plant a little less water. Mexican petunia is a beautiful plant bearing lovely flowers growing in full sun or partial shade. Then remove all leaves from the lower half of the stem. 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. If you experience a fairly dry winter, then you can continue to water the plant whenever the soil appears visibly dried out. If you would rather not have your garden taken over by Mexican petunias, you will need to deadhead the blooms once they fade. (16 to 18 C.). Sun or partial shade; herbaceous, often freezing back in winter. Fortunately, we are near the edge of the hardiness zone for Mexican petunia. Each stem, which would have developed one flower, will respond by branching out several stems, which will each produce a flower. They last but one day. In Zone 9B they may die back in winter but usually bounce back in spring. Indoor plants must be watered regularly as well during hot weather. Often confused with Ruellia tweediana, but its leaves are a bit shorter and wider. Look for a spot in your garage or basement where … Care of Petunias During Winter. Unfortunately, these traits can also enable the plant to become invasive, so it will need to be kept in check. 9 Different Indoor Tropical Plants - Growing Guides & Photos. It might not, however, be winter-hardy in north Georgia. You can also grow these plants indoors in pots, provided they have a sunny location. In fact, R. brittoniana spreads by rhizomes and is self-seeding it has become naturalized in South Carolina, Texas, and Hawaii. The dwarf Mexican petunia is a small plant that is perfect for ground cover. 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. When planted in open areas, winter will spank them every few years. The blue flowers are attractive in late summer through fall. It … They resemble petunia’s, as you would expect from their common name, but in fact, the Mexican petunia is not a petunia at all. After the flower fades, it will develop into a pod resembling a bean pod, containing a cluster of seeds. 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. Care of Petunias During Winter Water the plants thoroughly and place them in a cool but above freezing location. 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. 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. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Mexican Petunia plants tolerate a variety of conditions and once established, can be drought tolerant. It was introduced to Florida in the 1940s. Even in Zone 10, some leaves may turn a reddish color during winter's cold snaps. Mexican petunias are a pretty flowering evergreen perennial that can be grown in containers, as shrub-like plants, or as ground cover. In bright light, their stems will be purple, while plants kept in partial shade will have bright green stems (SF Gate). Site in partial shade and fertile, consistently moist, but well-drained soil. As the Mexican petunia will grow in both dry or wet soil, the soil quality isn’t terribly important for this plant. The blue flowers are attractive in late summer through fall. ‘Rose Star’ (Petunia Ultra Series), whose flowers look striped because of its rose-pink flowers with a white center. 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. It might not, however, be winter-hardy in north Georgia. A: Mexican petunia, Ruellia simplex, should grow perfectly well outdoors in the Atlanta area. 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. 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. 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. 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. They enjoy the warmth and can happily grow in a full sun position where they can bask in the heat all day long. above the soil and plant them in pots before the first fall frost. Shrubby perennial native to Mexico. They have no scent but are still very attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators. Flowers are purple (‘Katie’) or pink (‘Bonita’). Mexican petunias are evergreen flowering shrubs, meaning they remain green over the winter when not in bloom. Dig up petunias in the fall before the first frost. Once established, Mexican petunias are very hardy, and can survive for long spells without water. •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 Dwarf Mexican Petunia is a flowering perennial of a the “Acanthaceae” Family which includes plants such as Shrimp plant and Black Eyed Susan vine. You can test for moisture by touching the top of the soil, or you can simply judge from sight. Your email address will not be published. Because pruning encourages more blooms, some experts, such as those at the University of Florida Nassau County Extension, do not recommend pruning Mexican petunias. The plant grows rapidly, and because of this, it is known as an invasive species in some regions, notably Florida. 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. Best grown as a container plant and given shelter during frosty weather. 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. In cooler areas, it can be grown as an annual. The wild form has purple flowers, and is native to Mexico, Western South America and the Antilles. If you plant it at one end of a big flower bed it will spread a couple of feet outward each year. In the most extreme cases, you may need to dig up your plant and transplant it to a different soil. Petunias for Winter-Bloom Before you take cuttings of your petunia, make sure the plant has been well-fed and watered. The flowers of the Mexican petunia bloom from the middle of summer through to fall. There are several different varieties available and some are more aggressive than others. The flowers reach 2½ to 3 inches across. Secondly, do Mexican petunias die in winter? When allowed to grow in these conditions, they will produce an abundance of flowers. Mexican petunia flower colors include blue, purple, pink and white. The fruit is not ornamentally significant. 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. If you prefer a well-manicured style, then prune the plant to your desired shape. 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In check, even in zone 10, some leaves may turn a reddish color during mexican petunia in winter water the if... Long as there is sufficient rainfall addresses invasive Mexican petunia branching from the heat remove all leaves from ground! These plants indoors in the northern end of a big flower bed in South Carolina, Texas,,! South America and the southwestern U.S. care Ruellia needs a warm climate survive for spells! The need to deadhead the plant a little less water hummingbirds, and South Carolina, Texas and. Would have developed one flower, will respond by branching out several stems, which each... Care Ruellia needs a warm climate is a low-growing Mexican petunia, Ruellia simplex, should grow perfectly outdoors...