Ruellia humilis, Wild Petunia, Quart pot

Ruellia humilis, Wild Petunia

FS, Zone 4, Blooms June-Aug., 1’ x 1.5-2’, medium to dry moisture

Ruellia is part of the Arcanthacae family and not related to Petunias, however the physical resemblence of the flower bloom is striking. One of the postive attributes of this plant is its ability to adjust and thrive to hot drought situations. If it likes the conditions it can be a spreader as it self seeds. If that is the case, control its spreading by placing where there is a border like a sidewalk. Watch the plant as the seed pods emerge and mature, it can literally shoot seeds 10’. The one situation it does not like is shade or too wet. Performs well as a ground cover. Does well in all soils except clay.

After our first two seasons growing this plant here are a couple of observations. It fills in nicely and is a good plant in full sun to use as a ground cover. It stays in bloom for a very long period and looks nice afterwards. It does self seed but so far not aggressively.

Due to its floral structure, it is visited by hummingbirds, long tongued bees and butterflies. Smaller bees like Sweat Bees crawl down the corolla to the nectary. It is a host plant for the Common Buckeye Butterfly.