Purple Showers Mexican petunia
Ruellia simplex 'Purple Showers'
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
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
'Purple Showers' Mexican petunia (Ruellia simplex 'Purple Showers') 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. It grows fast to 36 to 48 inches tall, and it tolerates drought. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds visit the flowers, which open in summer and again in autumn. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything.
Pairs well with Thalia, Lemongrass, and Meadowsweet.