Hairy Wild Petunia
Ruellia humilis
(roo-EL-ee-uh) (HEW-mil-is)
This little flower began showing up in a rock garden I take
care of and it took awhile for me to identify it. There are several species of
this flower that grow in this area but I think it is identified correctly here.
It has become a happy “accident” in the garden growing in the cracks of the
rock borders and brick walks. It has also provided some color under the dwarf
evergreen population. It’s short stature makes skirts around the plants. Since
it is a wildflower that often grows in fields and rough areas it has found a
home and been a good garden citizen with only the occasional misplaced seedling
needing to be pulled out. This plant can grow in dry conditions and part shade,
which is good since the rock garden has it’s own irrigation cycle that is much
less than the rest of the gardens at the house.
Not really related closely to the petunias (Petunia) that we
grow as annuals they do share some of the same botanical characteristics and
ancestors. They are just not as long or showy blooming.
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