Wild Petunia (Ruellia humilis)

Wild Petunia (Ruellia humilis)

Wild Petunia is uniquely adorable , you'll find yourself wanting to tuck it into so many different spots in the garden. We love its compact form, which is uncommon with summer-blooming prairie plants, and soft fuzzy leaves in a muted gray-green that add subtle texture and color even when not in bloom. Did we mention it's adorable? Really though, it's an incredibly attractive plant from the moment it emerges in spring. Its soft lilac colored flowers bloom continuously from early summer through fall, with fresh blossoms opening daily. Since it's low growing and compact, we love using it at the front of borders, along sidewalks and underneath leggier stems like blue wild indigo. 

Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to light shade
Soil: Dry to medium; prefers sandy or well-drained soils
Height: 6–12 inches
Spread: 1–1.5 feet
Zones: 4–9
Bloom time: June through September

Wildlife Value
Wild Petunia is a host plant for the Common Buckeye butterfly (Junonia coenia) and occasionally supports the Cuban crescent (Anthanassa frisia). Its long bloom season makes it a dependable nectar source for native bees and other pollinators throughout the heat of summer.

Blooms Alongside: prairie dropseed (Sporobolus heterolepis), butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), purple prairie clover (Dalea purpurea), aromatic aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium)