Friday, June 21, 2013

Perennial Petunias and Pistachio Pesto

Mystery plant

I love alliteration!

A friend sent me this picture (how do you like the disembodied hand?) that she took in Jackson, MS and wondered if I knew what it was.  Thanks to the miracle of Google Images, I identified it as perennial Mexican petunia (Ruellia brittoniana.)

Known by several common names (Desert Petunia, Mexican Bluebells, Mexican Petunia), this plant is hardy to Zone 7a, likes full sun to partial shade, and will grow from one to three feet depending on conditions.  It likes moist, but well-drained soil.  Each bloom lasts only one day, but it flowers from spring to fall.  The flowers are a pretty purple-blue.

You can propagate from seed or from cuttings.  Be aware that in good conditions it has been known to self-seed "aggressively," meaning invasive!  Does anyone in Memphis have experience with this plant?


Fettuccine with Pistachio-Mint Pesto and Tomatoes

Last Sunday night I cut some mint from my garden and used it in a recipe from this month's issue of Cooking Light:  Fettuccine with Pistachio-Mint Pesto and Tomatoes.  (Have you noticed that I love Cooking Light?)  It was delicious and easy!  You can add chicken or shrimp if you want.

Have a great weekend!









http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/fettuccine-pistachio-mint-pesto-tomatoes-50400000128797/

1 comment:

  1. They have them planted at the FedEx world headquarters, along with the dwarf type. They are very beautiful. I have been contemplating using them in my personal garden. I am not sure where to purchase them. I think I like the dwarf variety better.

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