Petunia
( pet - YEW - nee - uh )
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At-A-Glance InformationPetunias are a classic garden favorite, and need full sun and regular water. Their blooms will attract butterflies to your garden and can be either single, semi-double or double. They come in all colors except green, and can be bicolored or picotee. They are wonderful in containers and hanging baskets, where their trailing stems can take center stage. There are many different varieties and species, all widely available for purchase at nurseries and larger stores.
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Petunia species and Varietals
The genus Petunia includes 20 species and hybrids, and is a member of the plant family Solanaceae. Petunias grow in all zones (To find your zone, click here: Zone Map).
Petunia x atkinsiana (Petunia x hybrida) (Hybrid Petunia)
The plants in this hybrid group of Petunia plants are crosses between Petunia axillaris and Petunia integrifolia. Most of the petunias seen in nurseries are this type. There are many different cultivars in this group, outlined below:
The plants in this hybrid group of Petunia plants are crosses between Petunia axillaris and Petunia integrifolia. Most of the petunias seen in nurseries are this type. There are many different cultivars in this group, outlined below:
Ultra Blue Star
With white and violet blooms. |
Blue Frost
Magenta to violet petals with white banding on their edges. |
Red Pirouette
Double blooming variety with red and white flowers. |
Bravo Salmon Veined
This species produces cream-colored blooms with pink to salmon veining. |
Sweet Sunshine Dark Violet
With dark violet blooms. |
Blue Daddy
Lavender flowers with purple shading and venation. |
Hula Hoop Red
With red flowers that have white banding on the outer edge. |
Sugar
Pink flowers with darker pink blushing and venation. |
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Petunia axillaris (Large White Petunia, Wild White Petunia, White Moon Petunia, Night-Scented Petunia) These plants are native to temperate areas of South America, and produce the only white flowers in the genus. This is a parent species to the hybrid common garden petunia. Leaves are green. Plants typically reach |
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Petunia exserta These plants are native to a small area in southern Brazil, and is threatened due to habitat destruction as well as the fact that it readily hybridizes with other Petunia species in its range. Flowers are bright red, and have protruding stamens and stigmas. Plants are upright with erect flowering stems. |
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Petunia integrifolia (Violet Petunia, Violetflower Petunia, Shanin) These plants are native to Argentina, and bear flowers that are about 1.5 inches in diameter. These plants are used as a hallucinogen in Ecuador. |
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Caring for Petunia
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Camellias are great candidates to be grown as container plants on your patio.
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A field of thea sinensis
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Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'
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Videos
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A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 496 - 497, Petunia
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
