Gerald L. Klingaman
Family
Solanaceae
Botanical Name
Petunia
Plant Common Name
Petunia
General Description
Classic petunias are garden standbys. These sunny, heat-loving annuals, or tender perennials, were one of the first ornamentals to be hybridized for the bedding plant market in the 1950s. Popular Petunia hybrids are crosses between, Petunia axillaris and P. integrifolia, though there are actually around 75-Petunia species in existence—most of which are not in cultivation. All species are of North, Central or South American origin.
Petunia flowers all have a similar form and come in a wide array of colors. Blooms are generally funnel-shaped and either radial or bi-lateral in symmetry. These can be white, lavender-blue, purple, red, pink, yellow or orange-red, depending on the species or cultivar. Bi-colored flowers—either striped or edged in contrasting colors—are also common. All petunias have medium to fine, green leaves and stems that are sticky to the touch and strongly scented.
Habits vary widely. Some plants have broad, spreading habits while others are diminutive and clump-forming. In fact, cultivated petunias have been organized into several types, which are differentiated by flower-size and habit. These include groundcover-types, like those in the Wave™ series, large–flowered grandiflora and floribunda-types, and small-flowered milliflora and multiflora-types. It is important to know what type you are growing before planting and designing with Petunia.
Petunias are as easy to grow as they are pretty. They require full, hot sun and grow best in fertile soil with good drainage. They bloom best with regular feeding and will continue to flower all season if their spent stems are occasionally pruned back. Plant them anywhere where summer color is needed; they thrive in containers and will brighten the edge of any bed.
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Pollution, Salt
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Average Water
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Fruit Color
Sandy Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
Yes
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Edging, Hanging Basket, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
