Overview

Ruellia humilis Wild Petunia is a garden plant in the genus Ruellia, part of the Acanthaceae family. It typically grows around 0.3–0.6 metres tall.

About

Ruellia humilis Wild Petunia is a species of flowering plant in the Acanthaceae. It is a low-growing plant, typically about 0.3–0.6 m tall. The stems and leaves are covered with soft white hairs and the leaves are oppositely arranged. It is cultivated as an ornamental.

About the genus

Ruellia is a genus of flowering plants commonly known as ruellias or wild petunias. They are not closely related to petunias (Petunia) although both genera belong to the same euasterid clade. The genus was named in honor of Jean Ruelle (1474–1537), herbalist and physician to Francis I of France and translator of several works of Dioscorides.

Wikipedia contributors, "Ruellia", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Ruellia

In the garden

Ruellia humilis Wild Petunia belongs to the Acanthaceae and is native to eastern North America; it is also grown as an ornamental. Plants remain relatively low, making their habit suitable where a compact flowering plant is required. Leaves occur opposite one another and are covered with soft white hairs, a tactile feature noticeable at close range. Use its low height to advantage in the front of a mixed border, a gravel or prairie-style bed, or in containers where compact habit helps define the edge. Flowering occurs from July to October, providing a season-long contribution to summer and early autumn displays. Growers who favour native or naturalistic plantings have increasingly adopted it for these prolonged bloom months. Leaves measure a few centimetres and the plant’s texture is defined by the fine hairs on stems and foliage; these traits make it easy to identify in cultivation. Expect a modest, ground-hugging presence rather than a tall clump, and place it where that scale complements rather than competes with taller perennials. Check the flowering period of July to October when planning summer-to-autumn colour in the planting scheme, and note the soft-hairy stems and leaves as a distinctive characteristic under close inspection.

Plant details

Ruellia humilis Wild Petunia size, habit and characteristics

Height

0.3–0.6 metres

Frequently asked questions