Genus Petunia

Petunia X integrifolia Photo/Illustration: John Glover

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A few dozen species of branching, sticky annuals and perennials from South America make up the genus Petunia. They are some of the most commonly grown bedding and container plants. Showy, 5-lobed flowers bloom over a long period from late spring to fall. There are many cultivars available, falling into two groups, grandiflora and multiflora. Grow in beds, borders, containers, and hanging baskets.
Noteworthy characteristics: Tolerates poor soil and coastal conditions.
Care: Plant in a sheltered site with full sun and light, well-drained soil. Deadhead regularly.
Propagation: Three months before the last frost, start seeds indoors at 55° to 64°F. Or take softwood cuttings in spring or summer.
Problems: Aphids, caterpillars, leaf miners, gray mold, bacterial soft rot, leaf spots, cucumber mosaic virus, impatiens necrotic spot virus.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Petunia

Petunia integrifolia
(Surfinia petunia, Wild petunia, Violet-flowered petunia) Be the first to rate this plant

This easy, fast-growing annual cascades 3 feet or more from window boxes or hanging baskets. It's a prolific bloomer, with nonstop, violet flowers approximately 1.5 inches wide blanketing the foliage. Plants bloom from May through the first frost.

Petunia Sweetunia® Soft Pink Morning
(Sweetunia® Soft Pink Morning petunia) Be the first to rate this plant

Hardiness Zones:

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

This spectacular selection shines brightly in the most brutal of circumstances. Month after month, this petunia spills oodles of white- and yellow-throated, pink-rimmed blooms elegantly over bed edges.

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