Mexican Petunia Dwarf

Ruellia brittoniana

Characteristics

Culture

Dwarf Mexican Petunia is a dwarf herbaceous form of the shrubby Mexican native species. It is a vigorous, clump-forming plant which typically grows in a mound 1-foot tall spreading to 1 foot wide.  Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system.  Although Mexican petunias are drought-tolerant once established, they perform best with regular irrigation during droughts and with regular feeding of high phosphorus fertilizers. 

Noteworthy Characteristics

An improved dwarf variety that continues to bloom summer-long, without deadheading.  Each bloom last one day, but the plant will be covered with multiple blooms. Large bluish-purple flowers are backed by low, spreading mounds narrow, dark green foliage.  Perfect for dry, neglected spots in cooler summer regions, and thrives with regular garden water in hotter regions. Evergreen in frost-free areas.  Under proper growing conditions, dwarf Mexican petunias produce compact, clumping mounds of dark green, lance-shaped leaves and bright, tubular flowers when in full bloom during the hottest part of the summer. When conditions are favorable, they will reseed, but the resulting plants retain the dwarf, clumping character.  This plant is not as invasive as its parent plant.

Problems

This tough, heat-loving perennial is disease, insect and deer resistant.  They are rarely bothered by snails and caterpillars.    

Garden Uses

Perfect for mass planting, this durable and showy perennial is at its best at the front of an informal border. Compact form makes an excellent ground cover for tight, narrow spaces. Fine, almost grass-like texture makes an attractive, deep green filler for large areas, planted on a berm or sunny slope.