You may also come across specific series or cultivars that feature a different growth habit or stature than what is typically expected – plants with a compact growth habit and large or particularly abundant flowers, for example. Some overlap exists, and you may find a certain series of petunia cultivars described within two different groupings, or a different group altogether, when you conduct your search for plants at the nursery. It’s important to remember, however, that we’re dealing with hybrids, and these types are not organized according to the usual tenets of botanical taxonomy. Additional types are also noted within a few of these broader groupings. The five categories described below are organized according to each type’s growth habit and the size of its flowers.
They have colorful trumpet-shaped flowers.They’re only winter-hardy in Zones 9 to 11, so most North American gardeners grow petunias as annuals.Īll varieties have these traits in common: Each type has distinct merits and all of them are standouts in the proper growing environment. You may have been missing out on a variety that would work particularly well in an overlooked part of the garden or landscape, or one that could grace a container or hanging basket in style.Īllow us to introduce five unique categories of petunias. Certain types of petunia feature extra-large double blooms, for example, or a spreading habit that will cover bald spots in the landscape.Īnd these popular ornamentals can anchor or complement many different garden and landscape styles, depending on which type you choose.Īll of them are long-blooming and relatively easy to grow and care for, so it’s okay to just buy the first bedding plants you see if you wish, or grow the same cultivar you like to start indoors from seed every winter.īut you owe it to yourself to discover the advantageous traits within different petunia groups, in terms of their flower characteristics and the expected growth habit for each type. But the variety extends beyond those eye-popping hues and patterns, and new cultivars are being introduced all the time.Ĭategories have been developed to distinguish one from the next based on growth habit and characteristics of the flowers. Options with alluring and unique foliage colors or variegation are available as well.
If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. Links highlighted in green will take you to an image of that plant in my garden unless otherwise noted.We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. I plan to keep it as up to date as possible, hoping it will help with my memory along the way. This page will remain a work in progress, because that is the nature of gardening. I’ve learned that I need constant reinforcement before a name sticks. I’ve tried using mnemonic devices and sometimes they work. When introduced to someone new, I exchange pleasantries but let them know that I’m bad with names.
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