Invasive or Not Invasive, is the the question

Question

My friend wanted to propagate this plant from her fathers house in California , she said somebody else easily propagated them around her yard. I was searching them up and found they were Mexican Petunia, I looked around a bit and it said it was highly invasive in Florida. So should she not plant it outside? She lives in the woods with a big river a farther back in her backyard and this plant is from southern California. So, to be invasive or not to be invasive is the question 🧐. #HappyPlants #PropagationStation #Petunia #invasiveplants #ScienceWithGreg #PlantsMakePeopleHappy #PlantTherapy #BushBuddies @Kiersten

@CoolNoblefir · Answer

I don't think planting an invasive species is a good idea.😕

@MothGoblin · Answer

I’m with @CoolNoblefir. Possibly, probably, kinda irresponsible to plant it outside if it’s the wild form. Sorry to your friend!

@CoolNoblefir · Answer

@PlantyPlanter I'm not saying it will be invasive but if it chokes out what lives there it affects everything around it including animals that might eat other plants. Idk where you live but southern states are notorious for invasive species due to they're more mild temps.😊

@MothGoblin · Answer

@PlantyPlanter @Leensha-Lou one more bit of info https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/assessments/ruellia-simplex/

@MothGoblin · Answer

Photos in my first comment were screen shots from this https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/care/weeds-and-invasive-plants/mexican-petunia.html  
Just realised that I should show my sources!!

@TwistedThreads · Answer

@PlantyPlanter I agree with @CoolNoblefir 💯

@starfirejem · Answer

Those plants shoot their seeds when they get wet. Like actually launch them. I would not plant it anywhere outside.

@DesertRainey · Answer

Not to be invasive is my answer. But that doesn’t mean she can’t enjoy some in a pot on a patio away from native soil (so shooting seeds don’t take up residence). When I had 5 acres I did this with no issues. As long as she’s careful it should be okay.

@dreamlettuce · Answer

I agree with everyone else. It’s invasive and personally I wouldn’t plant outside, but she can keep some in a contained pot in a greenhouse or inside their home. I wouldnt suggest keeping the pot outside incase it flowers and the seeds blow away with wind, etc. 😁

@Propa · Answer

I think this is what’s growing in my yard and it vines up the fence, the hummingbirds LOVE IT!!

@DefiantDndylion · Answer

I have some of these in my garden outside. They definitely spread their seeds easily. I usually  pull the babies like weeds to keep them from spreading. I would not plant them anywhere unattended.

@Leensha-Lou · Answer

@PlantyPlanter 🥺

@Leensha-Lou · Answer

I have a small cottage but lots of land. The one in my fathers yard was huge. I didn’t know they were invasive, but my sister said it was easy to propagate and a friend of hers spread it around on her property. It probably won’t fit inside, so…I guess maybe I just shouldn’t. 😕 My dad just passed away at the end of October and I just wanted to bring a little bit of home back to Rhode Island with me.

@Leensha-Lou · Answer

@PlantyPlanter but where would I put it inside? If it’s gonna get huge…we don’t have room. Where would you put it? I was thinking the planters in the front but then it will choke out the hydrangea bushes. Where inside could it go?

@dreamlettuce · Answer

@Leensha-Lou I think if it’s contained in a pot, you can regularly trim it or maybe start small and then let it grow on its own :)

Invasive or Not Invasive, is the the question

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