Wild Petunia

Wild Petunia (Ruellia humilis)
Also known as: Hairy Ruellia, Fringe-leaf Wild Petunia

Wild Petunia is a tough, drought-tolerant native perennial that adds charm and pollinator value to dry prairies, open woods, and sunny gardens. Despite its name, it’s not a true petunia but is part of the Acanthus family. This low-growing wildflower produces soft lavender to purple trumpet-shaped blooms throughout the summer and thrives in hot, dry conditions where other natives may struggle. With its compact habit and extended bloom time, Ruellia humilis is an excellent groundcover and nectar source for bees and butterflies.

Key Characteristics

• Extended Blooming Season for Pollinators
  Blooming from June through September, Wild Petunia produces 1–2 inch purple flowers that attract a variety of pollinators, including native bees, skippers, and buckeye butterflies (Junonia coenia), which use it as a larval host plant. Its nectar supports small butterflies and long-tongued bees throughout the hot summer months.

• Excellent for Dry, Sunny Sites
  Native to prairies, glades, and open woodlands, Wild Petunia thrives in dry to medium, well-drained soils. Once established, it is very drought-tolerant, making it an ideal low-maintenance addition to xeriscapes, prairie restorations, and pollinator strips.

• Groundcover Potential in Native Gardens
  With its clumping, spreading form and soft green foliage, Wild Petunia works well as a low-growing groundcover or edge plant in native beds. It fits beautifully into the herbaceous layer of permaculture and native garden systems, especially in areas that receive full sun and minimal irrigation.

• Supports Biodiversity and Natural Landscapes
  This underused native is perfect for increasing insect diversity, soil health, and drought resilience in gardens and restoration settings. It integrates seamlessly into native plantings with warm-season grasses and summer-blooming wildflowers like Coreopsis and Butterfly Milkweed.

Product Details

• Native range: Central and Eastern U.S.

• Plant life cycle: Perennial

• Sun requirements: Full sun to part shade

• Soil requirements: Dry to medium, well-drained

• Mature height: 8–18 inches

• Bloom time: June to September

• Bloom color: Lavender to purple

• USDA Hardiness zones: 4–9

Wild Petunia is a resilient, pollinator-rich native that brings color and life to tough garden spaces. A must-have for dry prairie gardens and pollinator pathways.