These pretty, purple perennials are resilient and cold-hardy.
Somnuk Krobkum/Getty Images
Despite their name, Mexican petunias are actuallynotpetunias.
Its a popular flower choice for gardeners because of their hardiness and their no-fuss maintenance.
Photo:Somnuk Krobkum/Getty Images
Learn how to care for the Mexican petunia with these tips from gardening experts.
They can also be overwintered in cold regions, however.
The violet plants can grow well in a variety of conditions, even surviving drought conditions and floods.
Theyre adaptable and can tolerate a range from sandy to clay soils, provided the drainage is good.
For optimal growth, Mexican petunias prefernutrient-rich, well-draining soil.
However, they are versatile and can even grow submerged in water.
The plants prefer warm conditions.
Mexican petunias that grow in full sunlight have striking purple stems.
Water
Although hardy Mexican petuniascan survive drought, they grow best withregular watering.
If there is no rainfall, watering once a week is usually sufficient for them to flourish.
Mexican petunias thrive in warm, moist conditions.
With warm conditions and plenty of water, Mexican petunias can spread rapidly.
New plants can be easily removed where they are unwanted.
Caution should be taken withRuellia simplexas it has become anaggressive invasive speciesin warm areas like Florida.
The state of Florida categorizes themas highly invasive.
Regular pruningand deadheading (removing spent flowers) encourage more blooms and a bushier growth habit, ONeill says.
you could cut them back in late winter or early spring to promote vigorous growth.
Deadheading can be done throughout the blooming season to keep the plants looking tidy and encourage more flowers.
Propagation
Mexican petunias are relatively easy to propagate from cuttings.
Youll need a healthy plant, sharp pruners or shears, rich potting soil, and a small pot.
Cut the stem just below the node so it is 4 to 6 inches long.
Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
Root your plant in a pot with nutrient-rich soil, planting a few inches into the soil.
Keep your plant in a warm area with plenty of indirect sunlight and water regularly to maintain moist soil.
Overwintering
Mexican petunias can tolerate cool temperatures but do not do well in freezing conditions.
They are considered cold-hardy inUSDA hardiness zones8 to 11 and southward.
The plant may remain evergreen throughout the year in warmer zones.
They will likely die if exposed to prolonged freezing conditions.
Keep in mind they will die back to the ground after a frost.
it’s possible for you to also use cuttings to propagate plants in pots over the winter.
Warmth, sunlight, and moisture are key to keeping them over winter in a colder climate.
Common Pests and Diseases
Mexican petunias are tough, usually low-maintenance plants.
Generally, Mexican petunias are quite resilient, O Neill says.
However, they can occasionally be affected by spider mites and whiteflies, especially in hot, dry conditions.
Regular watering and maintaining healthy soil can help prevent these issues.
Fungal diseases like root rot can occur in overly wet conditions, emphasizing the importance of well-draining soil.
If your plants develop brown leaves, its most likely due to cold temperatures.
Mexican petunias come in a variety of colors, like purple, pink, and white.
