Ruellia caroliniensis (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.
Requirements
Hardiness | 8 – 11 |
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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 |