Description
Ruellia caroliniensis
An unbranched, 2-3 ft. perennial with crowded, opposite, oval leaves and flowers in un-stalked, axillary clusters of 2-4. Usually only one or two of the light purple flowers are open on any given day. The flowers have a slender corolla tube and five, petal-like lobes. Seeds are borne on hooked projections. Violet, trumpet-shaped flowers on short hairy stems from leaf axils.
Among the seven other members of this genus occurring in the East, this one is recognized by the long-pointed calyx lobes and bracts under the flower. The flowers of Ruellia species recall garden petunias (genus Petunia) of the nightshade family (Solanaceae).
Yearly Foliage: Perennial
Hardiness Zone: 7-10
Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
Mature Growth: 6-12 ins. tall
Soil: Average, well drained soil
Blooms: Summer
Wildlife: Nectar-insects, Nectar-butterflies, Nectar-bees
Larval Host Plant for: Buckeye butterfly, Malachite butterfly, White Peacock butterfly and White Peacock butterfly
Plant Size when available: 1 quart, 1 gallon
