Mexican Petunia (Ruellia brittoniana)

Mexican Petunia Plant Features

Add color and height to your summer borders with Mexican petunia, occasionally called ruellia. This easy-care plant grows 3 feet tall (though there are also dwarf varieties that stay shorter) and develops waves of blue, white, or pink petunia-like flowers through the summer. Mexican petunia is great choice for butterfly gardens because the colorful insects flock to its sweet flowers. Plus, several species of butterflies use Mexican petunia as a host plant for their larvae to feed on, so it's a must-have plant for butterfly gardens. Once established, Mexican petunia can often self-sow and spread quickly through the garden -- so plant it where you can keep tabs on it or in large container gardens. Mexican petunia is deer resistant. Hardy from zones 9-11

Mexican Petunia Questions?
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Mexican Petunia Growing Instructions

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. In the North, Mexican petunia can be grown as an annual flower. Mexican petunia can become a fast spreader -- so plant it where you can control its spread.

Note: Some types of this plant are considered invasive and may be restricted in certain areas. Check local rules before planting. Costa Farms grows only non-invasive hybrids.

Mexican petunia is not recommended for human or animal consumption.

  • Water

    Moist

  • Light

    Outside: Part sun

    Outside: Sun

  • Colors

    Blue

  • Special Features

    Attracts butterflies

    Deer/rabbit resistant

Complement your Mexican Petunia

Canna
Canna and Mexican Petunia grow really well in the same conditions.

Liriope
Edge a bed of Mexican Petunia with a border of Liriope.

Crape Myrtle
Mexican Petunia makes a good partner for beds of Crape Myrtle.

Q&A

Does Mexican petunia attract butterflies?
Yes, Mexican petunia (Ruellia) does attract butterflies. Many different butterflies enjoy visiting its flowers for their nectar, and some butterflies may use it as a host plant in their caterpillar stage.

Does Costa Farms sell invasive types of Mexican Petunia?
We sell sterile Mexican petunia varieties that don't spread by seed. However, these are often vigorous plants and can colonize quickly in gardens and landscaping beds and borders -- especially when grown in rich soil.