Alphabetical Plant Listing

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.

Not sure which Ruellia to pick?
Compare All Ruellia

Buy Ruellia humilis (Wild Petunia)

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

Buy Plants


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

Plant Calculator

How many Ruellia humilis (Wild Petunia) do I need for my garden?

%
ft
ft

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Ruellia humilis (Wild Petunia)

Find your Hardiness Zone

Find your Climate Zone

Find your Heat Zone

Join Gardenia.net

Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

Join now and start creating your dream garden!

Create a New Collection

Optional. For your reference.


Move Selected Plants to a Different Collection


Delete Collection

This field is required.

Rename Collection

This field is required.