Ruellia strepens

The funnel-shaped, lavender-blue flowers of smooth wild petunia are a favorite of hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators in its native woodland and streamside haunts across much of the central and eastern U.S.  It's a good choice for late spring to summer color in an informal niche that's not too dry.  Propagated from seed.

Part shade to sun; moist to medium soil; 3'x2'; late spring to summer; Zone 5

Propagated from seed; deep 3.5-inch pots

Photo: jhoekstra