Exotic, invasive petunia

[movrshakr]

"Mexican petunia is another example of plant that is being sold over the internet and in garden centers as a flowering plant or “handy perennial edging plant for flower beds and as colorful groundcovers”. The problem is that the Mexican petunia is highly invasive and is listed as a Category 1 invasive species by the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. Mexican petunia received this classification because of its invasion and distribution within native plant communities."

http://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/node/380

[TexasRobin]

I made the mistake of planting this in a small bed several years ago.  It completely took over that bed, as well as several beds close by.  It took me forever to get rid of it all.  This stuff is nasty and should be avoided!  The bad thing is, you see them all over the garden centers down here. 

[Deb]

That sounds like our experience around here with Vinca. 

As I watch what the previous owners of my home in the woods proudly pointed out as the result of 3 little plants, I remember my neighbors in town fretting because it wouldn't grow like they wanted/expected.  Here it has encroached upon and choked out all the native plants in several rather large areas - previous owners mowed it to keep it in check and dumped the clippings in the woods.  When it reaches a shrub or tree, it just climbs.  It's supposed to be a good ground cover, I call it EVIL!

This year it was finally classed as an invasive alien and cannot be sold any longer.  Hooray!

Non-natives lack the native weather, plants, or animals that keep things in check in it's native environment.  Many people move to a new area and then plant the things they left behind to make it feel more like 'home' instead of enjoying the new plants.  And, if it is thought that money can be made by selling imported flowers and such, it is the 'American way' and takes a lot of work to get it outlawed.

We have to learn to grow what is native to our area.  Or keep the aliens in pots and deadheaded so they can't spread.

Thanks for spreading the word on what is probably a very pretty flower.

Deb