Perennial
Mexican Petunia
Ruellia caerulea
Varieties We Carry
WhiteRuellia caeruleaCompactaRuellia caeruleaPinkRuellia caerulea
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$6.95
3 galFrom$14.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightFull Sun, Part Shade
WaterModerate
Mature size3-4 feet × 3-4 feet (dwarf cultivars 10-18 inches)
About Mexican Petunia
Mexican petunia (Ruellia simplex) is a vigorous tropical perennial with funnel-shaped purple, pink, or white flowers that bloom nearly year-round in NE Florida. IMPORTANT: the standard species is a Florida Category 1 invasive that spreads aggressively by seed and runners. Only sterile UF-released cultivars such as the Mayan™ or Aztec™ series should be planted; these provide the same ornamental value with greatly reduced invasive risk. Starting at $6.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
- Flower Color
- White, Pink, Purple, Blue
- Growth Rate
- Fast
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Clay, Moist, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Mexican petunia grows in full sun to part shade throughout NE Florida; it is extremely adaptable to varying light conditions. Only plant UF-released sterile cultivars (Mayan™ series) — standard Ruellia simplex is a Category 1 invasive in Florida.
Water
Extremely adaptable to wet or dry conditions; moderate watering is adequate in NE Florida. Even sterile cultivars spread by creeping roots — site carefully and remove any seedlings or runners that escape the intended area.
Soil & Fertilizer
Tolerates virtually any soil — sandy, loam, clay, wet or dry — common throughout NE Florida. Minimal fertilizer needed; lightly fertilize in spring. Choose only sterile or compact cultivars (UF Mayan™ or Aztec™ series) to reduce invasive spread.
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Common questions
Is Mexican Petunia a good plant for St. Augustine?
Mexican Petunia is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with medium salt tolerance, reaching 3-4 feet × 3-4 feet (dwarf cultivars 10-18 inches).
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.