The Mexican Petunia (Ruellia simplex) is a tough, fast-growing perennial known for its upright, grassy foliage and nonstop trumpet-shaped flowers in purple, pink, or white. Nearly indestructible in heat, drought, or standing water, it is one of the easiest ways to keep color in a South Florida bed all year.
Why Florida Customers Choose Us
Mexican Petunia Breakdown
Appearance:
Narrow, lance-shaped leaves in dark green to purplish-green on upright stems that form dense clumps.
Funnel-shaped flowers about 2 inches across open in flushes nearly year-round; each bloom lasts a day and is replaced by the next. Dwarf and tall forms are available.
Growth Rate:
Fast.
Fills in within a single season.
Size:
2–4 feet tall depending on the form (compact types stay 1–2 feet), spreading 2–3 feet.
Available in 3-gallon.
Sunlight Requirements:
Full sun to part shade.
Flowers most in full sun.
Water Needs:
Low to moderate.
Thrives with regular water but tolerates both drought and periodically wet soil once established.
Soil Preferences:
Adaptable to almost any soil, from sand to heavy wet ground.
Maintenance:
Low.
Shear back in late winter to refresh. It spreads by underground rhizomes and seed, so give it a defined bed with edging, or plant a compact sterile form where you want it to stay put.
Landscape Use:
Mass plantings and borders, foundation beds, butterfly gardens, wet or rain-garden areas, and tough sites where little else blooms.
Climate Tolerance:
USDA zones 8–11.
Evergreen in South Florida; dies back in a freeze and returns from the roots.
For dependable purple color in a spot that gets baked, flooded, or forgotten, Mexican Petunia is the plant that keeps blooming anyway.
Florida Delivery Available
We have Mexican Petunia ready to ship throughout Florida. Multiple sizes available with professional installation options. Order online or text/call 561-898-2028 for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Plant & Care for Mexican Petunia in Florida
Choose Sun + Spacing
Most Florida plants prefer full to partial sun. Check mature width and space accordingly so plants don’t crowd as they fill in.
Dig Wide, Not Deep
Dig a hole 2–3x wider than the container and slightly shallow. This encourages roots to spread outward into native soil.
Plant at Proper Height
Remove from the pot, loosen circling roots, and plant with the root ball level to slightly above grade.
Water to Establish
Water deeply right after planting. For the first 10–14 days, consistent moisture is critical—don’t let the root ball dry out.
Mulch + Light Maintenance
Apply 2–3 inches of mulch (keep off the stem). Once settled, light trimming encourages fuller growth.
Professional Installation Available: Not comfortable planting yourself? We offer expert installation services throughout Florida. Our team has 15+ years of experience ensuring your plants thrive. Call 561-898-2028 to add installation to your order.
What Florida Customers Say
I was searching for a better plant source and after checking the internet, the consensus by most locals was to check out Dino's Palms. I have ordered multiple times and every plant I have gotten has been above expectations with health and fullness. The customer service is excellent! I am kind of blown away at how great this company is and will continue to use this as my main plant connection.
My experiences with Dinos have been wonderful. The communication about my orders & delivery was spot on, the deliveries guys quick, efficient and friendly - they even cleaned up fallen leaves from the driveway. But its the product that shined the most. Healthy, lush, vibrant. The same size posts as local nurseries - but the plants themselves were larger, fuller and more robust than anywhere we shopped. I cant say enough great things about their operations, their services and their products.
Do not look any further. These guys are awesome. Punctual, WAY more affordable plants than Home Depot, and the quality of plants delivered were far superior than any nursery I've been to. Great to deal with and very professional. Our installer went above and beyond to insure our satisfaction and he was a true professional.
