- Partial Sun to Full Sun (5+ hours of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 18-32 Inches
- Mature Width 10-18 Inches
- Growing Zones 9-12
- Use as a Thriller in Containers
Warm climate gardeners say “Ole!” when planting Machu Morado Mexican Petunia in their full sun gardens. Bright purple, ruffled, trumpet-shaped blooms sway over beautiful glossy green lance-shaped leaves providing a long season of color when nights are warm and days are hotter. No need to take a siesta here as this continuous blooming annual is heat and drought tolerant and loves the sun.
Native to Mexico, the Caribbean and South American, Zones 9a to 12b, Mexican Petunia can take the heat. An improved variety, Machu Morado does not send out runners and take over your landscape. It is a safer alternative to native R. simplex. Native Mexican Petunias have naturalized in the Deep South and are hard to eradicate when they become rampant but there is no need to be concerned with this variety.
Machu Morado Mexican Petunia Care
Machu Morado is not a fussy annual in Zones 3-8, in fact it tolerates a wide range of conditions. In northern climates it will bloom sparsely until the heat of summer hits, but when nights cool, flowering slows. It tolerates a wide range of soil pH from slightly acidic 6.1 to slightly alkaline 7.8. It is not a heavy feeder, so unless you place it in containers where it would appreciate the occasional feeding, nothing else needs to be done. Well draining soil is crucial.
Deadheading is not necessary as it drops its spent flowers on its own. Pruning is not necessary either. Machu Morado will attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds so plant it where you will appreciate the frequent visitors. Pair this tall upright annual with other daisy-like flowers in a wide range of colors for an outstanding display.
Machu Morado Mexican Petunia Spacing
Space plants 10 to 18 inches apart. Growing up to 32 inches tall, this is a mid garden to back garden plant. Its upright habit will pair wonderfully with lower growing sun loving annuals in your landscape or large container garden. Be prepared to reach for this lovely purple flower year after year for your full sun gardening needs.
Machu Morado Mexican Petunia Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-12 |
Flower Color(s): Purple |
Flower Description: Periwinkle Purple |
Bloom Period: Planting To Frost |
Foliage Color(s) Green |
Foliage Description: Deep Green |
Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun |
Height Class: Medium |
Height: 18-32 Inches |
Spread: 10-18 Inches |
Spacing: 10-18 Inches |
Habit: Upright |
Watering: Average |
Drought Tolerant: No |
Attracts: Bees, Butterflies |
Container Role: Thriller |
Use Types: Border Plant, Container, Landscape, Mass Planting |
Features: Continuous Bloom or Rebloomer, Low Maintenance, Deadheading Not Necessary, Pollinator Attractor |
Maintenance: Easy |
Scientific Name: Ruellia simplex 'R12-2-1' USPP 28,449 |
Common Name: Machu Morado Mexican Petunia |
Other Name(s): Mexican Bluebell, Britton'S Wild Petunia |
Plant Type: Annual |
Brand: Proven Winners |
- SKU:
- RUEMMP45
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
For more detailed information, please click here.
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Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)

Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)

Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.