Ruellia humilis
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Tried and True Recommended by 5 Professionals
Species Native to Missouri
Common Name: wild petunia
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Acanthaceae
Zone: 4 to 8
Native Range: Eastern United States
Garden Location: Ameren Ground Cover Border, Suzanne Stagg Wright Rock Garden
Height: 1.5 to 2 feet
Spread: 1.5 to 2 feet
Bloom Time: May to October
Bloom Color: Blue, Lavender
Bloom Description: Lavender/lilac-blue
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Dry to medium
Maintenance: Medium
Flowers: Showy Flowers
Wildlife: Attracts Butterflies
Tolerates: Dry Soil, Shallow, Rocky Soil, Drought
Uses: Rain Garden

Culture

Grow in average, dry to medium moisture, well-drained soil in full sun to part shade.

Noteworthy Characteristics

Wild petunia is a Missouri native perennial which occurs in dryish soils in open woods, glades, prairies and fields throughout the State except for the far southeastern lowlands. Typically grows to 2' tall. Features tubular, bell-shaped, petunia-like flowers (to 3" long), each with five shallow rounded lobes. May to October bloom period. Lavender to lilac flowers appear singly or in clusters in the upper leaf axils. Oblong to lanceolate, olive green leaves to 4" long. Leaves and stems are hairy.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems.

Garden Uses

Borders, rock gardens, native plant gardens, wild gardens or prairies.

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