My favourite plant of this Summer season has been hands down, without contest, the Mexican Petunia (Ruellia brittoniana). I first took notice of this plant when I read about it on It’s Not Work, It’s Gardening (thanks Alan!) and then shortly thereafter I found them at the local nursery. I bought one, planted it and within days I knew that I wanted more … bought two additional plants and now I wish I had bought lots more as there aren’t any left.
I planted them as a trial in my “Gardenia Bed” (as I am looking for replacements for the Gardenia which I plan to move soon). During the hottest days of summer when everything else looks a bit limp, Mexican Petunia just does her thing looking all fresh, green and gorgeous. I planted two seedlings against a low wall I want to partially cover, and they have grown quickly and are getting the job done. They don’t flower profusely for me yet, but I don’t mind as it’s the foliage and form of the plant that I like. The flowers are a welcome bonus.
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See? Very, very pretty. I think they will start flowering a lot more soon as the plants are getting bigger, stronger and have more buds now!
Alan’s intro which I read and motivated me to buy the Mexican Petunia is here: Enjoying the blooms. He does another post in which we see that Mexican Petunia are easily propogated by putting stem cuttings in water, so I know I should just take a few cuttings … but I’ll wait for the plants to get a bit larger before I remove any stems. Besides, its just to hot to do anything right now 🙂
Happy Gardening
xxx
7 replies on “Mexican Petunia – My favourite plant of the season”
Hi Christine! I’m back to reading your blog! I’m so sorry I dropped off for awhile…the Holidays and then getting everything back to normal has a way of consuming me! Anyway, I’ve read several posts and absolutely love your photos of the grasses with the Mexican Petunias and other flora. I too love ornamental grasses and have many in my garden. Thank you for highlighting Mexican Petunia, I had never heard of it so I went to Alan’s site and read about what he said too. I could def. use a plant that can stand hot summer heat so I’m going to be looking for it. I wonder if you can grow it from seed. Well, that’s all for now, just wanted to let you know I’m back with your blog!
Really pretty. Just the perfect fresh, summer look. Maybe pair it with some purple foliage? Heuchras, Persian shield or purple millet? Throw in a little silver or white to brighten the combo -endless possibilities. Thanks for sharing it!
You are so right – this is a very special plant. And the flowers are beautiful!!! Alan’s suggestion of cutting to make it bushier is a good idea. It looks like a versatile plant that can make an empty corner pop!! Also great combo with the grasses.
Nice choice!!
Take those cuttings Christine! It will only make the plant bushier.
If you live in a colder climate (like I do), these are really simple to overwinter in the garage in a pot. I let the top growth get killed by a frost/freeze, then cut it to the soil level, put the pot in the garage (stays above freezing, but it’s not heated). Then when I pull the pot out in the spring, it acts just like any other perennial and sends up tons of new growth.
Glad I could turn somebody on to a new plant. 🙂
Ok!! I’ll cut a few tomorrow, then I don’t have buy anymore either if they take root. 🙂
Thanks for including the pic of this plant by the bench. Didn’t realize how tall it could get! It does look like a very pretty plant, and I’m sure it’ll only get more beautiful as time goes by.
Holley, mine are still new(ish), I think they will grow a bit taller yet. I’ve only had them about a month – 6 weeks.