Mexican Petunia

Ruellia simplex · Perennial

Mexican Petunia is a fast-growing perennial, hardy in USDA zones 8-10, that matures to about 3–4 ft × 2–3 ft. It does best in full sun and part shade with high water needs in well-drained, moist and occasionally-wet soil. Expect purple blooms in fall and summer. It attracts butterflies and hummingbirds, stands up well to deer and drought and heat.

Restricted in FL, TX, SC, GA, AL, LA.

Invasive in the Southeast — it spreads by ejecting seed and escapes gardens easily.

USDA zones: 8-10
Sun: Full sun, Part shade
Water: High
Mature size: 3–4 ft × 2–3 ft
Spacing: 3–6 ft
Growth rate: Fast
Maintenance: Medium
Soil: Well-drained, Moist, Occasionally-wet
Foliage: Green, Purple
Bloom color: Purple
Bloom season: Fall, Summer
Attracts: Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Tough against: Deer, Drought, Heat, Humidity, Wet soil
Watch out for: Spreads weedily
Native to: Caribbean, Central and South America, Mexico

Will it survive your winters?

We score Mexican Petunia’s freeze-trouble range against the real coldest nights your area has recorded.

Powered by ~35 years of daily lows from the nearest NOAA weather station. A risk read, not a guarantee — a sheltered spot or mature plant beats the odds.

More plants for your zone: Zone 8 · Zone 9 · Zone 10