Ruellia caroliniensis Wild Petunia

Ruellia caroliniensis
Wild Petunia

Introduction

Wild Petunia is a native wildflower found throughout Florida in native woodlands. They spread and are known as strong growers under adverse conditions. Blue/violet or white flowers appear on this perennial in the spring, summer and fall. These flowers are showy, and their nectar is appealing to various species of butterflies. Wild petunia’s flower only last for a day, but they have a very long flowering period, starting in early spring and going strong through the fall. Please use this Florida native instead of its widely-sold relative, the invasive Mexican petunia.

General Information

Scientific name: Ruellia caroliniensis
Pronunciation: roo-EL-lee-uh kair-roe-lin-nee-EN-sis
Common name(s): Wild Petunia Family: Acanthaceae
Plant type: perennial; herbaceous
Origin: native to Florida Uses: ground cover; mass planting; attracts butterflies; hanging basket; cascading down a wall

Description

Height: .5 to 1 feet
Spread: 1 to 2 feet
Plant habit: spreading
Plant density: moderate
Growth rate: moderate

Texture: fine

Foliage

Leaf arrangement: opposite/subopposite
Leaf shape: oblong Leaf venation: pinnate
Leaf blade length: 2 to 4 inches
Leaf color: green

Flower

Flower color: white
Flower characteristic: spring flowering; summer flowering; fall flowering

Culture

Light requirement: plant grows in part shade/part sun; plant grows in the shade
Soil tolerances: acidic: occasionally wet; acidic; sand; loam; clay;
Drought tolerance: moderate
Plant spacing: 18 to 24 inches

Use and Management

Wild Petunia may be used as flowering ground cover and in front of perennial borders. They are attractive when massed together or planted in a container where flexible stems droop over the pot. They would make an attractive hanging basket.

Place Ruellia in an area of the landscape that receives full to partial shade. These species will grow best in well-drained soils and are very drought tolerant. Ruellia species will be frozen to the ground in the winter but regrowth should occur from the roots throughout Florida.

These plants may be propagated by seed or cuttings. Ruellia can spread, as it readily reseeds itself.

Pests and Diseases

No pests or diseases are of major concern.

Contact Nicole Rakes
352-250-3094
Nicole@BarefootForestNursery.com
Yalaha, FL

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