Ruellia humilis (Wild Petunia)

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.

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.

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