Ruellia brittoniana 'Colobe Pink'
perennial

Pink Mexican Petunia

Ruellia brittoniana 'Colobe Pink'

Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

18 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

8, 9

Water

Moderate, drought-tolerant once established

Humidity

Prefers moderate humidity

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Mexico, Caribbean, South America

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets

The Story

Plant Bio

Ruellia simplex is a vigorous, shrubby perennial known for its lance-shaped, dark green leaves and prolific, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom from summer to frost. The species can be invasive in warm climates. This pink-flowering variety provides a continuous display of vibrant, petunia-like blossoms. Many modern cultivars are sterile or less aggressive than the parent species.

Bloom Period:

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesVivid pink blooms add striking color to gardens and borders, attracting hummingbirds and insects.
Practical UsesDrought-tolerant and low-maintenance, suitable for water-wise gardening.
Ecological BenefitsSupports pollinators, enhances biodiversity, and stabilizes soil.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

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Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck seeds or cuttings into well-drained soil in spring.
  2. Water regularly until established, about 6 weeks.
  3. Provide full sun for optimal flowering.
  4. Fertilize lightly in early spring with a balanced fertilizer.
  5. Prune lightly after flowering to encourage bushiness.
  6. Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Pro Tip

Ensure well-drained soil and full sun for best blooms.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water consistently during dry spells ๐ŸŒฑ
  • Prune to shape and remove dead stems โœ‚๏ธ
  • Fertilize in spring with a balanced fertilizer
  • Mulch to retain moisture and control weeds

Don't

  • Overwater to avoid root rot โŒ
  • Ignore deadheading blooms
  • Plant in shady spots for best growth โŒ
  • Use heavy clay soil without amendments โŒ

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Divide
Prune
Winter Prep

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Bright border with vibrant pink flowersDrought-tolerant garden featureWildflower meadow accent

Companion Plants

Lantana Salvia Gaillardia Coreopsis Blanket Flower

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Pink Mexican Petunia questions

What zones can Pink Mexican Petunia grow in?

Pink Mexican Petunia is hardy in USDA Zones 8โ€“10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Pink Mexican Petunia deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Pink Mexican Petunia, especially tender spring growth โ€” plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Pink Mexican Petunia bloom?

Pink Mexican Petunia typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone โ€” Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Pink Mexican Petunia need full sun?

Pink Mexican Petunia does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Pink Mexican Petunia drought tolerant?

Yes โ€” once established (usually after the first full season), Pink Mexican Petunia handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Grow Pink Mexican Petunia with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

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