Mexican Petunia (Ruellia brittoniana)

I was so excited when I found this Mexican Petunia for $1.50 each at our Grower’s Outlet.  It has been on my short list of plants for the perennial bed- and now I have two of them newly planted (as of this morning) and I am so excited to watch them grow!

Mexican Petunia is also called Mexican Ruellia, and some of the varieties are Chi Chi (pink blooms), and Katie (purple blooms).  I have ‘Katie’ in my yard.

Attracts butterflies, hummingbirds, and evening hawk moths.

Can easily propagate in water.

Not picky about soil, just likes it to be well-drained- prefers full sun but I have heard people say they do alright in part. sun too.  My two plants are in full sun (5-7 hours each day).

Will grow 3 feet wide by 3-4 feet tall- will sometimes grow taller in shade.  This is a plant which some consider “invasive.”  So, if you want to control how far it spreads, place it in a pot or use edging or a border of some kind to keep it contained.

Divide plants at any time but cut back tall plants if dividing in the summer.

Very hardy, drought tolerant and heat tolerant.  Flowers from late spring till frost.