 |
 aturalized |
|
Common name: Desert Petunia, Florida Bluebells, Mexican Petunia, Mexican Blue Bells, Langdhrei angangba (Manipuri)
Botanical name: Ruellia brittoniana Family: Acanthaceae (ruellia family)
Despite the name, this plant is not related to the usual garden petunia at
all - rather, it belongs to the ruellia genus. Desert petunia is an extremely
tough, drought-resistant plant with a long bloom period.
This desirable plant is native to Mexico but is naturalized in some areas of
the Gulf South and in Texas. It grows in practically any soil, clay or sand,
and tolerates wet or dry conditions. Mexican petunia has attractive dark-green
leaves which are very slender, resembling those of the spider plant.
Blue petunialike flowers appear throughout the growing season.
Clumps can become invasive in good soils if not controlled.
|
