These pretty, purple perennials are resilient and cold-hardy. Mexican petunias are fast-growing plants native to warm parts of South America and Mexico, but they can tolerate cool temperatures in ...

The Mexican petunia or Ruellia simplex is a shrub boasting a profusion of Petunia-like, vibrant lavender blue flowers, two inches across, from summer to fall. Born solitary or in clusters at the tips ...

A woman tending to her garden in the summer heat - Kathrin Ziegler/Getty Images Worried that it's too hot or too late in the season to plant flowers in your garden? Spoiler alert: It's not. There are ...

Invasive plants in Florida gardens contribute to the spread of non-native species in natural areas. Sterile versions of invasive plants like lantana and Mexican petunia are available, but not widely ...

Garden columnist Dan Gill answers readers' questions each week. To send a question, email Gill at [email protected]. I’m having an odd problem with my Mexican petunia plants. Nothing seems to ...

Since there was no newsletter last week, here are two weeks of mystery plants: Mexican Petunia --Ruellia simplex is a perennial plant that takes care of itself and blooms all summer long.

DEAR NEIL: I hope my photo is more than a thumbnail so you can see it. It’s of my Mexican petunia that I planted because I see it growing at a local restaurant where it is thriving. My plant, however, ...

DEAR NEIL: How deep would edging have to be to stop Mexican petunia from spreading? I saw it in a yard in Houston last fall and really liked it, but several people have told me that it’s really ...

Dear Neil: The enclosed plant came into our yard beneath our backyard fence. It grows about 3 feet tall, and I’m wondering how to stop its spread. What is it? A: You now have Mexican petunia, Ruellia ...

Dear Roger: If anyone knows what this plant is, I knew you would. I saw it down at the beach. It is absolutely beautiful. If you could send me some information, it would be greatly appreciated. — ...

Q: What is this plant with the purple flowers? It has invaded my flowerbed. More importantly, how can I get rid of it? It’s spreading like crazy. A: It’s Mexican petunia, Ruellia brittoniana. You’re ...

Since there was no newsletter last week, here are two weeks of mystery plants: Mexican Petunia --Ruellia simplex is a perennial plant that takes care of itself and blooms all summer long.