mexican petunia in winter

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

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