Species wild petunia
light-blue flower with green leaves and green stems

wild petunia

Ruellia strepens

Wild petunia (Ruellia strepens) is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant with a height up to two feet. It has grayish-green foliage and cup-shaped pink to lavender petals. The blooms appear in the summer, adding a splash of color to gardens, roadsides, and other natural areas. This hardy species can withstand temperatures down to 5 degrees Celsius and can tolerate drought when established. It is easy to propagate from either seed or stem cuttings. Wild petunia is highly recommended for landscapes, gardens, and ground cover.

Cycle:

Herbaceous Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division,Layering Propagation

Hardiness Zone:

5 - 8

Flowers:

Lilac to lavender Flowers

Sun:

Part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green,yellow,purple

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Wild petunias prefer light, frequent watering. Water the plant when the soil surface feels dry to the touch. This will usually be about 1-2 times a week. Make sure not to water too heavily or too often, as this can cause root rot and other fungal issues. When watering, avoid wetting the foliage of the plant. Watering in the morning is best in order to allow foliage to dry off before nightfall.

sunlight

Wild petunias thrive in warm, sunny locations, with soil that drains well. They can take up to 6 to 8 hours of full sun per day but do best when provided some afternoon shade. During the summer months when temperatures are extremely hot, providing afternoon shade or partial shade is especially important. Wild petunias are also fairly drought-tolerant and can handle short periods of dryness. During periods of extended drought, it is especially important to provide the plants with some irrigation, especially if they are in full sun.

pruning

Wild petunia can be pruned throughout the season to keep it contained and promote dense, manageable growth. Prune when the plant begins to look overgrown and out of shape, preferably in late spring. Start by cutting away long and leggy stems that will not produce flowers. Prune just above leaf nodes to promote bushy growth. Deadheading also encourages the production of new flowers, so prune off spent flowers to keep the plant looking tidy. Additionally, it's best to prune off flowers as soon as they begin to look wilted, typically about 4 weeks after flowering.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Starts Flowering

Wild petunia typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Starts Flowering

Wild petunia typically starts flowering in late spring or early summer, usually in May or June.

Hardiness Map