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Wild Petunia

Ruellia caroliniensis

$16.00

| Hardiness Zones 7-9

This southeastern U.S. native perennial is called "Wild Petunia" and makes a good garden plant. It has beautiful blue or violet petunia-like flowers that appear in the spring, summer, and fall. The informative and entertaining book Passalong Plants by Steve Bender and Felder Rushing offers high praise for this long-blooming spreader which is good in well-drained soils in sun or semi-shade.

Plant Specs
  • Zones: 7 to 9
  • Sun: Full Sun and Part Shade
  • Soil: Well-drained
  • Growth Rate: Moderate

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Hardiness Zones: 7 - 9

Soil: Well-drained

Sun: Full Sun and Part Shade

Seasonal Behavior: Deciduous

Growth Rate: Moderate

Height at Maturity: 6 - 12 Inches

Spread at Maturity: 1 - 2 Feet

Ruellia caroliniensis produces small, trumpet-shaped flowers that range in color from light lavender to a soft purple. Each bloom is about 1 to 1.5 inches wide, and its delicate petals create a slightly ruffled appearance. The flowers are arranged singly or in clusters at the ends of the plant's stems, emerging from early summer to fall, depending on the growing conditions.

The blooms open in the morning and often last only for a day, but the plant continuously produces new flowers over a long blooming season, ensuring steady color in the garden. The flowers are a favorite of pollinators, particularly bees and butterflies, making Ruellia caroliniensis an excellent addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.

The combination of soft purple flowers and its compact, bushy form, which can reach up to 12-24 inches in height, makes Ruellia caroliniensis a lovely groundcover or border plant. Its delicate blooms contrast beautifully against its lush green foliage, creating a natural, cottage-garden feel.

These traits make Ruellia caroliniensis a valuable and attractive addition to a wide range of garden settings.

lavender

Read full care instruction manual here.

Sunlight: Ruellia caroliniensis thrives in a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. It will bloom more profusely in full sun but can tolerate light shade, making it versatile for various garden settings.

Soil: This plant prefers well-drained soil but is adaptable to different soil types, including sandy, loamy, and slightly clay soils. It can tolerate dry conditions once established, but moderate moisture will promote better growth and blooming.

Watering: Water regularly during the first growing season to help establish strong roots. After the plant is established, it can tolerate drought but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells.

Fertilization: Ruellia caroliniensis generally doesn’t require much fertilization. If your soil is particularly poor, a light application of a balanced fertilizer in the spring can boost flowering.

Pruning: Deadhead spent blooms to encourage more flowering and maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back in late fall or early winter to promote fresh growth in the spring.

Propagation: This plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. It readily self-seeds in ideal conditions, so watch for new plants if you prefer to control its spread.

Pests and Diseases: Ruellia caroliniensis is generally pest-free and disease-resistant, making it a low-maintenance choice for gardens.

Winter Care: Hardy in USDA zones 7-10, this plant does not require special winter protection. It will die back to the ground in colder regions but will re-emerge in the spring.

Grown in Aiken, S.C.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:
from rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.