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(Ruellia strepens)
Smooth Wild Petunia (Ruellia strepens)
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Cody Stricker
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Cody Stricker
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Cody Stricker | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Cody Stricker | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-05-01T07:27:19-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for Madison, Mississippi
| This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Precipitation | 27" - 59" | 56" | Aquatic | Aquatic |
| • High Temp. | 78°F - 97°F | 92°F | Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. | Excellent |
| • Low Temp. | 11°F - 72°F | 34°F | Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant | Excellent |
This plant may not grow well at your location - your precipitation is too high.
Summary
Ruellia strepens, commonly known as Smooth Wild Petunia, is a deciduous perennial herb native to open woodlands, forest edges, and grasslands in the South-Central United States. It typically grows to a height of 4 feet (1.2 meters) and a width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). This species features lanceolate leaves and produces showy, trumpet-shaped purple flowers from late spring to early summer, which are attractive to pollinators such as butterflies and bees.
Smooth Wild Petunia is valued for its low maintenance and ability to thrive in partial shade, making it suitable for woodland gardens, native plant gardens, and as a border plant. It prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate periods of drought once established. While it does best in part shade, it can also adapt to full sun conditions if sufficient moisture is provided. Smooth Wild Petunia can spread by self-seeding, which should be monitored to prevent unwanted naturalization. It is generally free from serious pests and diseases, but spider mites and whiteflies can occasionally be problematic.CC BY-SA 4.0
Smooth Wild Petunia is valued for its low maintenance and ability to thrive in partial shade, making it suitable for woodland gardens, native plant gardens, and as a border plant. It prefers consistently moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate periods of drought once established. While it does best in part shade, it can also adapt to full sun conditions if sufficient moisture is provided. Smooth Wild Petunia can spread by self-seeding, which should be monitored to prevent unwanted naturalization. It is generally free from serious pests and diseases, but spider mites and whiteflies can occasionally be problematic.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 3-4 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Purple
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands, forest edges, and grasslands
Other Names
Common Names: Limestone Wild Petunia, Smooth Wild Petunia
Scientific Names: Ruellia strepens, Ruellia strepens f. cleistantha, Ruellia strepens var. cleistantha, Dipteracanthus micranthus, Dipteracanthus strepens, Hygrophila illinoiensis, Ruellia strepens f. alba, Dipteracanthus oblongatus, Dipteracanthus strepens f. pedunculatus
GBIF Accepted Name: Ruellia strepens L.