Alphabetical Plant Listing

Ruellia caroliniensis (Carolina Wild Petunia)

Carolina Wild Petunia


Ruellia caroliniensis (Carolina Wild Petunia) is an unbranched, spreading perennial boasting a profusion of trumpet-shaped, petunia-like, light purple flowers borne in axillary clusters of 2-4. Blooming for weeks from early to late summer, the blossoms have a slender corolla tube and 5 petal-like lobes. Each blossom lasts a day or two, but new flowers form in succession. They provide nectar for bees and butterflies. Carolina Wild Petunia serves as a host plant for Buckeye butterfly caterpillars. The blossoms give way to seeds borne on hooked projections. The opposite leaves, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm), are rich green, oval and medium in texture. A strong grower, Carolina Wild Petunia can spread, as it readily reseeds itself. Great as a flowering ground cover, for mass plantings, hanging baskets or cascading down a wall.

  • Grows up to 6-12 in. tall (15-30 cm) and 12-24 in. wide (30-60 cm).
  • Performs best in part shade to full shade, in dry to moist, clay, loam or sandy, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established.
  • Attractive to butterflies and somewhat unpalatable to deer.
  • Virtually pest and disease free.
  • Propagated by seed or cuttings. Seeds may be planted immediately after collection or stored and sown in spring. Store seeds dry in an airtight, refrigerated container.
  • Native to eastern North America.

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Requirements

Hardiness 8 – 11
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Ruellia
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Northeast, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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Pleird, Flickr, TreesG Photography, Shutterstock

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 8 – 11
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Ruellia
Exposure Partial Sun, Shade
Season of Interest Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Height 6" – 1' (15cm – 30cm)
Spread 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm)
Spacing 18" – 24" (45cm – 60cm)
Water Needs Low, Average
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Northeast, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Butterflies
Garden Uses Ground Covers, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Informal and Cottage, Prairie and Meadow

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