Fringeleaf Wild Petunia

(Ruellia humilis)

Fringeleaf Wild Petunia (Ruellia humilis)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Ruellia humilis, commonly known as Fringeleaf Wild Petunia, is a deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands, grasslands, and savannas in the East-Central United States. It typically grows to about 1 foot high but can reach up to 2 feet. The plant features opposite leaves that are light green to medium green with smooth margins and are covered with soft white hairs on both sides, contributing to its textured appearance. The funnel-shaped, 5-lobed lavender flowers are reminiscent of petunias and bloom from July to September. Each flower opens in the morning and falls off by evening, creating a daily display of fresh blooms throughout the flowering season.

Fringeleaf Wild Petunia is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions, making it an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens. Its increasing popularity in native plant gardens is due to its attractive flowers and the growing interest in sustainable landscaping. It is suitable for border plantings, naturalized areas, and as a ground cover. This species prefers full sun to part shade and can adapt to a range of soil drainage conditions, from fast to slow. While it is not commonly found in conventional nurseries, its use is on the rise as gardeners seek to incorporate more native species into their landscapes.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 0.5-2 feet
  • Width: 1.5-2 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Pink, Purple
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Deciduous

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Showy Flowers, Street Planting

Natural Habitat

Native to open woodlands, grasslands, and savannas in the East-Central United States

Other Names

Common Names: Fringe-Leaf Ruellia , Low Wild Petunia , Hairy Petunia , Low Ruellia

Scientific Names: Ruellia humilis , Ruellia humilis var. humilis , Ruellia humilis var. longiflora , Ruellia humilis var. expansa , Ruellia humilis var. depauperata , Ruellia humilis var. frondosa , Ruellia humilis var. calvescens , Ruellia ciliosa var. humilis , Ruellia ciliosa var. longiflora , Ruellia caroliniensis f. alba

GBIF Accepted Name: Ruellia humilis Nutt.