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Florida Gardening

What is on my Mexican Petunia?

SweetMonkeyCheese Z9 Tampa

8 years ago

they seem to grow just fine and none of the plants next to them get this white stuff on them. It happens each year but has not been a problem that I can tell... But what is it and should I be worried?

I know many ppl don't care for this plant but I like it, it blooms all the time, mine is not unruley and I don't really bother with her but to cut her back when she gets to leggy while seeking the sun.

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Comments (7)

carolb_w_fl_coastal_9b
8 years ago
Looks like a fungal growth of some sort - I see something similar on mine here as well. Not sure exactly what it is tho.....
juneroses Z9a Cntrl Fl
8 years ago
I believe it is a type of mite. See the link for pictures/more info. I had a significant amount of this on a large clump of "Purple Showers" Mexican petunia last year. I did nothing to combat it (i.e. no "treatment"). This year there is only one small area on a single stem.

Despite the fact that Maxican petunia is considered common, I also like this plant. As you said, it blooms all the time and both the flowers and the dark green stems are attractive and add a pleasing contrast to the garden.

http://dougsbugs-n-shrubs.blogspot.com/2009/10/white-stuff-on-mexican-petunia.html
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You can see pics here. It looks like on the right edge of your pic, just above the middle, is a finished flower. Individual flowers last only 1 day. If your plant is not sterile and it is outside, you should see a seed pod form there. Ruellia makes seed pods that burst open (explosive dehiscence.)
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It is not possible to grasp how all the things you speak about fit together. We see disconnected pictures of various areas. (And they are all showing up sideways for me. Try redoing them using a computer instead of phone.) In order to design landscape, or give advice on same, one needs to have a comprehensive understanding of the layout and organization. This is easiest to do in multiple, slightly overlapping pictures that are ALL TAKEN FROM THE SAME CAMERA LOCATION, by just panning from left to right. Best to stand at a single spot where you could see most, or all, of the things you talk about. Some of the things you say you're going to do (like getting rid of some of the Mexican Petunia hedge) you give no reason for doing. You describe ideas for creating a patio, but it is unclear what you mean so hard to say if your idea is great, or stinks. A walk that is "casual ... clean looking ... and no maintenance" sounds like concrete to me. You'd better put your ideas, as best you can, down on paper in a measured to scale plan so we can understand what you are thinking.
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irma_stpete_10a
8 years ago
Sweet in Tampa, some of mine here in St Pete have the dried white or grey appearance since "the rains". June, wish mine bloomed more often; do you fertilize or keep a little moist?
garyfla_gw
8 years ago
Hi

Mine get that but doesn't seem to have much effect Was always hoping it might slow them down a bit?? lol I got some of the white dwarf a couple of years ago and they are seeding everywhere . They seem to require a LOT more water in fact are growing best in the marsh garden

Mine came with the house and I'm still trying to learn to love them lol Love the color of the flowers though!!! gary
SweetMonkeyCheese Z9 Tampa
Original Author
8 years ago
OK yea, the link with the mites looks like it might be the answer. So funny how they like the petunias but don't seem to bother with the other plants that in mixed in with them.
jane__ny
8 years ago
i wouldn't use a chemical on them as they are a favorite of butterflies and bees. I have them growing all over and I keep chopping them back They take over but are very pretty.

Jane
SweetMonkeyCheese Z9 Tampa
Original Author
8 years ago
Irma - Every once in a while I'll put some miracle grow on them, they are mixed in other flowers so I have to mindful of the other plants that need a little more attention and so they get some loving too.

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