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interplanting with other wild��owers and grasses. It has a strong root system, making it easy to transplant. Plant Wild Petunia 12 to 1�� inches apart. Or try growing this showy plant in a hanging basket or large, well-drained container, as pests do not seem to bother it. Wild Petunia is one of the few wild��owers that will bloom in partial to slightly denser shade. Seeds Wild Petunia seeds are generally not commercially available. To grow this plant from seed, collect mature capsules in a paper bag in mid- to late summer. Seeds gradually ripen on the plant over a period of weeks, so visit plants several times to check the capsules. They will turn from bright green to brown when mature. Stem cuttings are also an easy way to propagate Wild Petunia. Take 3- to 4-inch cuttings in the summer from ��exible stems. Plants root easily in 3-4 weeks. Plants Plants are widely available yearround from native nurseries in a variety of pot sizes. They can be planted throughout the growing season. In North Florida, plant after danger of frost. Wild petunia is drought tolerant after establishment. Hardiness Wild Petunia is suited for zones 8a-10b. Care Wild Petunia may need trimming about halfway through its growing season to promote new growth and blooms. This can be done by removing 3-4 internodes (4-�� inches) with scissors or clippers. Annual pruning may be required to remove old stems. Wild Petunia is a proli��c selfseeder and may form colonies over time. (Like other members of the Acanthaceae family, its mature seed capsules will explode open, sending seeds far from the parent plant.) Unwanted plants can be easily removed or transplanted. Site conditions This plant is one of our most versatile and adaptable wild��owers for varied sun and soil moisture conditions. It will thrive in a moderate to dry, sunny location but also tolerates shade and even wet, mucky soils. Establishing Wild Petunia in shadier locations will result in plants that appear lanky with fewer blooms. Plants are reported to have some salt tolerance. Note Although there are some sterile non-native Ruellias in the nursery industry, the widely grown purple Mexican Petunia (Ruellia simplex; synonyms R. brittoniana and R. tweediana) should be avoided as it may reproduce via underground rhizomes. As a Category I invasive exotic species, it has spread into municipal and natural areas, displacing native species and changing community structures or ecological functions. For more information on Mexican Petunia, visit these websites: • Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council (www.��eppc.org) • University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants (plants.ifas.u��.edu) W16 Photo by Mary Ellen Gotto Photo by Peg Urban Wild Petunia is best in a mixed planting. Photo by Mary Keim Wild Petunia is a profuse bloomer that is great for attracting butter��ies like the Gulf Fritillary.


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