Is Mexican petunia a shrub?

Is Mexican petunia a shrub?

This three-foot-tall evergreen shrub bears many tubular, blue or purple, petunia-like flowers on dark stems over a long period. Each flower lasts for just one day.

What is another name for Mexican petunias?

Ruellia simplex
Ruellia simplex, commonly called Mexican petunia or Texas petunia, is a vigorous, shrubby, woody-based, rhizomatous perennial that is grown as an annual north of USDA Zone 8.

Is ruella the same as Mexican petunia?

Ruellia simplex, or Mexican petunia, is a herbaceous evergreen perennial of the Acanthaceae family. It is sometimes named Ruellia brittoniana, but R. simplex is preferred, as it is the name first given to the plant when described in Cuba.

Will Mexican petunias come back?

Overwintering Mexican petunia is very easy, though they are perennial plants they do not produce flowers in the winter and like to go dormant. On some days they will go dormant, do not water in this dormant period. It might feel like they die, but it will come back in the next growing season.

Should you cut back Mexican petunias?

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.

Is Mexican petunia invasive?

The wild, invasive form of this plant is so aggressive, it’s banned in some states, and it’s on a watch list of invasive plants in others. The state of Florida lists Mexican petunias as “highly invasive.” Native to Mexico and western South America, Ruellia simplex, also known as R.

What is a Mexican petunia look like?

Cold-hardy in UDSA Zone 7 and southward, Mexican petunia grows 3 to 4 feet tall with attractive, purplish stems and narrow, lance-shaped leaves. Showy blue or purple flowers, beloved by butterflies and hummingbirds, appear from early summer through the fall.

Is Mexican petunia invasive in Texas?

You either love this plant – or you hate it. It’s Ruellia brittoniana, Mexican petunia. It loves Texas and it shows it by spreading as vigorously as mint in our gardens. In Southeast Texas and across the Gulf Coast it has become invasive in subtropical wetlands, so be forewarned.

Are Mexican petunias illegal?

But Mexican petunias are actually Ruellia simplex, fast-growing perennials with green to purple stems and green leaves. The wild, invasive form of this plant is so aggressive, it’s banned in some states, and it’s on a watch list of invasive plants in others.

Can Mexican petunias grow in shade?

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.

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.

Do Mexican petunias need full sun?

Mexican petunia prefers even moisture, but it’s an adaptable plant that can handle dry conditions, especially once established. Although it grows best in full sun, it can also handle some shade, but this may reduce flowering.

How to grow Mexican petunia?

Push wood planks around the plant about 6 inches deep to slow down and control the spread of the plant.

Are Mexican petunias poisonous to animals?

The ASPCA makes it very clear that petunias are not toxic to dogs, cats or other animals, but their website contains a very lengthy list of other, equally pretty plants that are mildly or lethally toxic. Moreover, are Mexican petunias edible? Petunias have been used as garnish, but as members of the nightshade family, they are not to be eaten.

Is Mexican petunia perennial?

Mexican petunia is Ruellia. It is an extremely heat and drought tolerant perennial. There is a standard variety that grows about three feet tall and has purple flowers and is very hardy.