Table of Contents
Mexican petunia grows and blooms best in full sun or partial shade. It will grow in shade, but doesn’t bloom as much and looks leggy and lanky. This sun-loving perennial likes rich, slightly moist soil so mulch the plants to maintain consistent soil conditions, especially during hot, dry weather.
Do Mexican petunias spread?
The Mexican petunia (Ruellia brittoniana) is a fast grower, quickly spreading through self-seeding and rhizomes. Because of their fast growth, these plants are considered invasive.
How fast do Mexican petunias spread?
Mexican Petunia Grows Quickly Mexican petunia, also called desert petunia, establishes itself quickly when you start with a nursery-grown seedling or young plant. It generally produces groups of strong, semi-woody stalks about 3 feet tall that bear attractive foliage and produce flowers within a month or two.
When should you plant Mexican petunias?
Sow R. simplex seeds in early spring, after all danger of frost has passed. Plant one to two seeds for each expected plant, spaced 12 inches apart.
Does Mexican petunia like full sun?
Mexican petunias are able to tolerate a wide range of growing conditions, but prefer wet or marshy soils, such as moist woodlands or the edges of ponds and lakes. They can withstand drought and even full sun in drier soils.
Do butterflies like Mexican petunias?
In doing some research, this plant is native to Mexico and easy to grow in dry or wet soil conditions. Butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the colorful blooms, which makes the plants popular with backyard gardeners. Gardeners either love Ruellia or dislike it due to its invasive nature.
Should I cut back my Mexican petunia?
Pruning Mexican Petunia In general, the only pruning a Mexican petunia requires is an annual pruning in late winter or early spring to remove damaged, weak or otherwise undesirable stems back to the base of the plant. Cutting back spent flower stalks during the blooming period helps maintain a neat appearance.
How tall does Mexican petunia grow?
Mexican-petunia is a perennial in zones 8 to 11 that stands up to 3 feet in height. Stems are green or purple and leaves are dark green, oppositely arranged and lance-shaped, roughly 6 to 12 inches long and ½ to ¾ inches wide.
How do you winterize Mexican petunias?
Overwintering Mexican petunia is very easy, though they are perennial plants they do not produce flowers in the winter and like to go dormant. If you have planted it in the pot, you can simply winterize them by Snipping off its leaves and cutting branches.
Are Mexican petunias poisonous to dogs?
brittoniana is completely non-toxic; however, its absence from the lists is a good indication that it is harmless.
Is Mexican petunia invasive in Florida?
The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council lists Mexican petunia (wild-type and non-sterile cultivars) as a Category 1 invasive species, meaning that it is “altering native plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives” (Florida Exotic Pest.
How cold can Mexican petunias survive?
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. Petunias are damaged extensively at 32 F.
Will Mexican petunias come back after a freeze?
Will it flower from the existing stems or does it only flower from new wood? 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.
Will Mexican petunias grow in shade?
It typically grows to 3 to 4 feet tall in the wild, but only to 2 or 3 feet tall in gardens. Mexican petunia prefers medium to wet soil that is fertile and well drained and full sun to partial shade, although flowering is best in full sun.
How long do Mexican petunia blooms last?
Each flower lasts for just one day. The blooming period can last from early spring through the heat of late summer in warmer climates. The fast-growing plants reach up to 3-feet to 6-feet tall. They are typically as wide as they are tall.
Can you root Mexican petunias in water?
Cut off a piece of stem, remove the lower leaves, & stick it in the ground. You can also root them in water. If it is warm, they can wilt, so water rooting may be better. You can stick the entire cutting in water to refresh it, & when temperatures cool off, stick the roots only in water.
Do rabbits eat Mexican petunia?
Rabbits prefer young, tender shoots and are particularly fond of lettuce, beans, and broccoli. Flowers they like to nibble include gazanias, marigolds, pansies, and petunias.
What eats Mexican petunia?
Petunias are a delicacy for a variety of bugs such as caterpillars, including tobacco budworms and variegated cutworms. Aphids, whiteflies, slugs, and snails also eat them. Animals like rabbits, chickens, squirrels, mice, deer, and mules will feast on petunias as well.
How much sun do Mexican petunias need?
Mexican petunia grows and blooms best in full sun or partial shade. It will grow in shade, but doesn’t bloom as much and looks leggy and lanky. This sun-loving perennial likes rich, slightly moist soil so mulch the plants to maintain consistent soil conditions, especially during hot, dry weather.
How do you make Mexican petunia bushy?
If you grow your Mexican petunia as a hedge, pruning will be highly beneficial for it. Also, deadheading after the blooming period will encourage the growth of new flowers. Always keep in mind that Mexican petunia is quite invasive. Therefore, pull out excessive stems to keep your plant under control.
