Strobilanthes attenuata
Mexican petunia
A herbaceous perennial to around 60cm high, with hairy, winged stems bearing oval-shaped, toothed dark green leaves. Dense spikes of curved, tubular purple flowers are produced in late summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drained, Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Acanthaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Strobilanthes can be evergreen or herbaceous perennials or subshrubs with simple, opposite leaves and spikes, cone-like clusters or loose panicles of tubular or funnel-shaped flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Afghanistan to Indian Subcontinent
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in light, fertile, well-drained soil that does not dry out in summer, in full sun or part shade. May benefit from a winter mulch in colder areas
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown at 13-18°C in spring, or by softwood cuttings in late spring or early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Cottage and informal garden
- Flower borders and beds
- Wall side borders
Pruning
Pinch out when young to encourage a bushy habit
Pests
May be susceptible to red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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