Species Mexican petunia

Mexican petunia

Ruellia simplex 'Purple Showers'

The Mexican petunia, Ruellia simplex 'Purple Showers', is an evergreen flowering shrub native to Central Mexico. It grows best in moist, well-draining soil in partial shade. This beautiful shrub features purplish-pink or lavender flowers blooming on newly-emerging stems, clusters of tubular flowers perched atop slender stems and dark green foliage. It is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Its blooms attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, adding a splash of color to any garden. With its low-maintenance, long-flowering period, and beautiful appearance, the Mexican Petunia is an essential addition to any landscape.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Division,Cutting,Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

8 - 10

Flowers:

Purple Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,purple

Growth Rate:

High

Maintenance:

Moderate

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Moderate

watering

Water Mexican petunia (Ruellia simplex 'Purple Showers') consistently once every week or so during the growing season to keep the soil moist. Generally, water the plant until the soil is saturated and water puddles on the surface. During extremely hot weather, you may need to water the plant more frequently. In the winter months, water only when the top inch or 2 of soil is dry.

sunlight

Mexican petunia (Ruellia simplex 'Purple Showers') grows best in full sunlight, which means 6 to 8 hours of sun per day. Morning sun is best, but afternoon sun is also acceptable as long as it is not too intense. The Mexican petunia will also thrive in partial shade and needs protection from the hot afternoon sun in areas with intense sunlight. When grown in shady conditions, the plant can become spindly and will produce fewer blooms.

pruning

Mexican Petunia (Ruellia simplex 'Purple Showers') should be pruned once the flowering season is winding down. This is typically late spring or early summer, but it can vary depending on your local climate. Pruning should be done moderately, removing dead or damaged stems and up to 1 third of the plants' tallest stems. Additionally, several “refreshment” prunings throughout the growing season can reduce the overall size of the plant.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Ruellia simplex 'Purple Showers' typically starts flowering in late spring, usually in April or May.

Hardiness Map