While certainly attractive, it can become very widespread if allowed to set seed. It is considered a Category I invasive in South Florida. Seeds can remain in the soil for years.

Yes, I know Hetty. It's not my plant. The next door neighbor's. I already learned about the non native mexican petunia & I know it's invasive & I'm not going to plant it.

Ann, my intention was not to lecture you, merely to inform those who may not be familiar with this aspect of this very commonly sold plant.

I'm sorry Hetty. I didn't mean to come off short. We've had a death in the family a few days ago & I'm not hitting on all 8 I guess.

We once had a house that already had this plant growing. It had completely taken over the entire area in which it was planted. It's amazingly invasive!

I'm sorry for your loss, Ann. Fully understandable if you're not your usual cheerful self.

Thanks Hetty.

Yes Dave, it is also considered invasive in Texas.

I did put this comment in the DB:

There is a petunia native to Florida which is a much better choice than Ruellia tweediana. The native is Ruellia caroliniensis
Carolina Wild Petunia (Ruellia caroliniensis subsp. caroliniensis)...

This R. tweediana is one tough cookie to get rid of. And if you think you can control it --- well, you might want to think again. It spreads willingly by seeds which have no dormancy mechanism and also by rooting wherever the stems touch the ground. It will also send runners underground. It may be pretty & it may be drought tolerant as well as able to grow in wetlands but it is also an invasive nightmare.
This has become a problem in many states; not just Florida.