Mexican petunia
Ruellia simplex
USDA zones8 to 10
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size3 to 4 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Rapid
- Habit
- Erect
- Bloom season
- Summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Lavender to violet
- Foliage color
- Green, purple/lavender
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Mexican petunia (Ruellia simplex) is a perennial for borders, pollinator gardens, and rain gardens. It is hardy to USDA zone 8, or down to 10°F (-12°C). This plant likes full or part sun and average to wet, sandy, loamy, or clay soil. Deer tend to browse other plants first. It grows fast to 36 to 48 inches tall and bears lavender to violet blooms in summer and autumn. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds visit the flowers.
Pairs well with Thalia, Hardy hibiscus, and Fountain grass.
Native range
Caribbean, Central and South America, and Mexico.