Ruellia strepens, commonly known as Smooth Wild Petunia, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist woodlands, streambanks, and shaded floodplains throughout Illinois. It prefers rich, moist, well-drained soils and partial to light shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens and shaded native plantings.
This elegant plant can grow to 1.5 to 3 feet tall and features smooth, opposite leaves and slender, slightly arching stems. From late spring into summer, it produces soft lavender to bluish-purple, funnel-shaped flowers that closely resemble cultivated petunias. The blooms are visited by a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, and may appear sporadically throughout the growing season.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Ruellia strepens is a graceful and ecologically beneficial addition to shaded, moist landscapes. It offers long-lasting blooms, supports native insects, and adds subtle color and texture to woodland settings. It pairs well with companions like Virginia Bluebells, Wild Geranium, and ferns in rich, layered shade gardens.
Ruellia strepens, commonly known as Smooth Wild Petunia, is a native perennial wildflower found in moist woodlands, streambanks, and shaded floodplains throughout Illinois. It prefers rich, moist, well-drained soils and partial to light shade, making it an excellent choice for woodland gardens and shaded native plantings.
This elegant plant can grow to 1.5 to 3 feet tall and features smooth, opposite leaves and slender, slightly arching stems. From late spring into summer, it produces soft lavender to bluish-purple, funnel-shaped flowers that closely resemble cultivated petunias. The blooms are visited by a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies, and may appear sporadically throughout the growing season.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Ruellia strepens is a graceful and ecologically beneficial addition to shaded, moist landscapes. It offers long-lasting blooms, supports native insects, and adds subtle color and texture to woodland settings. It pairs well with companions like Virginia Bluebells, Wild Geranium, and ferns in rich, layered shade gardens.
Bloom: summer
Habitats: areas along woodland paths; moist to mesic open woodlands; rocky banks of streams; thickets; thinly wooded slopes along rivers; woodland edges
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to mesic
Plant type (height): forb (1.5 to 3 feet)
Requirements: partial sun to light shade
Soil: loamy or rocky soil containing some organic matter
