Purple Mexican Petunia (Ruellia brittoniana)

The Mexican petunia is native to Mexico. It is a tender evergreen perennial that forms colonies of stemmy stalks standing 3 ft height. The strong semi-woody stalks are distinctly vertical in aspect and hold attractive dark green, leaves oppositely at the nodes. The purple blossoms are trumpet shaped and about 1.5-2 in.

Petunia prefers fertile soil with moisture, but is very adaptable. After flowering, cut back stems about halfway for a new crop. Mexican petunia can be grown indoors as a houseplant in bright light. It is typically free of pests and disease.