Tall Mexican perennial with narrow dark green leaves and continuous deep violet (or pink or white) petunia-like flowers through warm months. Each flower lasts a day; successive buds keep continuous bloom.
Hardiness ratings
| System | Rating | Temperature range | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| USDA hardiness zone | Zone 8–11 | −12.2 °C to 10 °C | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| RHS hardiness rating | H3 | −5 °C to 1 °C | Plant needs at least this level of cold tolerance |
| Canadian plant hardiness zone | Zone 9 | −1 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
| Australian (ANBG) zone | Zone 3–7 | −5 °C and warmer | Plant tolerates down to this zone |
Growing notes
- Native to Mexico but now naturalised throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide
- WARNING: Listed INVASIVE in the southeastern US (especially Florida and Texas) and parts of Australia — escapes via seed and rhizome, do not plant in those regions; sterile cultivars (‘Mayan Purple’, ‘Purple Showers’) are safer alternatives
- Drought tolerant once established, tolerates wet soils and shade — adaptable to extreme conditions
- Distinct from common garden petunia (Petunia) — Ruellia is a separate genus with longer-lasting flowers
Categories
Related plants
Cross-check Mexican petunia against your zones