Pruning Back Mexican Petunia - Knowledgebase Question

Trinity, Fl
Avatar for burtgrace
Question by burtgrace
April 19, 2009
I have a row of Mexican petunias. In front of them are a row of Hawthorn. Most of the petunia plants grow vertical and are fine, but many are growing horizontal along the ground and are invading the hawthorn. What should I do with the horizontal Petunia stalks? Cut them down low & hope they regrow vertical or pull them out by the root? They seem to be multiplying.


Image
Answer from NGA
April 19, 2009
Photo by hementia
Your Mexican petunia (Ruellia) should grow upright but sometimes the stems become heavy and sprawl on the ground. You can cut back any of the stems that are crowding your Hawthorn. It won't hurt the plant and pruning will encourage new growth on the remainder of the plant. Just cut the stems back, close to the base of the plant. You might find that the stems touching the ground have already, or are trying to root. I would pull up any that have rooted or you will end up with lots of Mexican petunia plants that will compete with your hawthorn.

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