The Plant Guide

Browse the Full Plant Guide

Mexican petunia

Ruellia brittoniana ‘Purple Showers’

roo-EL-lee-a brit-tone-ee-AY-nah Audio

This 3-foot-tall evergreen shrub bears many tubular, blue or purple, petunia-like flowers on dark stems over a long period. Each flower lasts for just one day. It is a fast grower that may self-seed aggressively. Use in a border, container, or at waterside. Can be grown as an annual in cooler areas.

Noteworthy CharacteristicsPetunia-like flowers from spring to frost. Native to Mexico and the southwestern United States.            

CareRuellia needs a warm climate. Site in partial shade and fertile, consistently moist but well-drained soil.

PropagationSeed or softwood cuttings in spring. Self-sows aggressively if conditions are right.

ProblemsNothing serious

  • Genus : Ruellia
  • Plant Height : 1 to 3 feet
  • Plant Width : 1 to 3 feet
  • Zones : 10, 11, 8, 9
  • Uses : Containers
  • Bloom Time : Early Fall, Early Summer, Late Spring, Late Summer, Summer
  • Growth Rate : Fast
  • Light : Full Sun to Partial Shade
  • Moisture : Medium to Wet
  • Maintenance : Moderate
  • Plant Type : Perennials
  • Plant Seasonal Interest : Spring Interest

Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members

Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.

Start Free Trial

Related Plants

Related Articles

More From the Plant Guide

Winter Interest

Partial Shade

Browse the Full Plant Guide