wild petunia
Ruellia humilis
USDA zones4 to 9
SunHandles full sun to partial shade
WaterHandles dry to moist soil
Size18 to 24 inches tall18 to 24 inches wide
- Habit
- Herb
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn
- Bloom color
- Lavender/lilac-blue
- Foliage color
- Green
- Soil types
- Sand, loam, clay, chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Wild petunia (Ruellia humilis) is a perennial for borders, woodland gardens, and low maintenance planting. It is hardy to USDA zone 4, or down to -30°F (-34°C). This plant likes full sun to part shade and dry to moist soil of most types. Lavender-blue, petunia-like flowers attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. Deer tend to browse other plants first. It reseeds readily, so you may find new seedlings nearby.
Pairs well with Blue wild indigo, Standing Ovation little bluestem, and Switchgrass.
Native range
Eastern and central United States.