Description
Mexican petunia
Winter hardy to USDA Zone 8 (marginally hardy in Zone 7 with protection and mulch) where it is best grown in medium to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Best flowering is in full sun.
Plant Specifications
| Common Name | Mexican petunia |
| Maximum Reachable Height | 3.00 to 4.00 feet |
| Flower Colour | Purple |
| Bloom Time | Flowers freely |
| Difficulty Level | Easy to grow |
Planting and care
Noteworthy Characteristics: Petunia-like flowers from spring to frost. Native to Mexico and the southwestern U.S. Care: Ruellia needs a warm climate. Site in partial shade and fertile, consistently moist, but well-drained soil.
Ruellia brittoniana care
An ideal location for growing ruellia is a site with full sun exposure. Although ruellia flowers are highly adaptable and may do well in shade, expect fewer blooms due to the lack of sunlight. Growing ruellia plants appreciate regular water but again the tolerant plant can withstand drought conditions in prepared soil.
| Sunlight | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Watering | Medium to wet |
| Soil | Well drained soil |
| Temperature | 20 to 40 degrees C |
| Fertilizer | Apply any organic fertilizer |
Ruellia brittoniana special feature
Excellent annual flowering plant for areas where it is not winter hardy. For USDA Zones 8-10, it may be effectively grown in bog gardens, as a pond marginal, and in beds and borders, but can be significantly invasive in areas such as the State of Florida where it is has been declared to be a Category 1 invasive species. Excellent free-blooming plant in large containe May be grown indoors as a houseplant.
Ruellia brittoniana uses
Ornamental Use:
- The plant is used for ornamental purpose
Medicinal Use:
- Ruellia tuberosa has been extensively used as diuret- ic, anti-diabetic, antipyretic, analgesic, antioxidant (4), anti-hypertensive, gastroprotective (5) and to treat gonorrhea