Ruellia humilis (Wild Petunia)
Wild Petunia, Prairie Petunia, Fringeleaf Wild Petunia, Hairy Ruellia, Low Wild Petunia, Low Ruellia, Fringeleaf Ruellia
A widespread North American native, Ruellia humilis (Wild Petunia) is a herbaceous perennial of upright to somewhat sprawling habit boasting a profusion of tubular, bell-shaped, petunia-like, lavender to purple flowers, 3 in. long (7 cm). Blooming for months from late spring to fall, the blossoms are borne singly or in clusters in the upper leaf axils. They attract bees and butterflies. The foliage of lanceolate, olive green leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm) is covered with small hairs. This plant reseeds readily. It is a wonderful addition to prairies and meadows, native plant gardens or rock gardens.
- Grows up to 24 in. tall and wide (60 cm).
- Performs best in full sun or part shade, in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established.
- Attractive to butterflies and somewhat unpalatable to deer, rabbits and livestock.
- Virtually pest and disease free.
- Native to eastern and central United States.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Ruellia |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" (45cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Prairie and Meadow |
Gerry Bishop, 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 | 4
– 8 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Perennials |
Plant Family | Ruellia |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Height | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spread | 1' – 2' (30cm – 60cm) |
Spacing | 18" (45cm) |
Water Needs | Low |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy |
Native Plants | United States, Midwest, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Wisconsin, Northeast, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Southwest, Oklahoma, Texas |
Tolerance | Deer, Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders |
Garden Styles | Gravel and Rock Garden, Prairie and Meadow |