Petunias are one of the most popular flowers in flower beds and lawns. There are many varieties of petunias. Therefore, novice owners must definitely understand all the nuances of each type, and in general terms.
Features:
A plant like petunia owes its name to the famous botanist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck. It was he who first brought these flowers to France from Uruguay. The famous naturalist, however, was mistaken: he thought for some reason that it was a kind of tobacco. In reality, petunias belong to the family of Solanaceous plants. Before they could figure it out, the modern name had spread.
Most often it is grown in gardens as an annual. However, in nature, petunia has a long-term development cycle. It is allowed to grow plants in indoor pots. There, the flower will fill the space and even begin to hang outward. The stems of petunias are thoroughly branched and do not grow stiff (retain flexibility and green color).
The trunks can be directed in different ways, depending on the specific species. It is customary to distinguish petunias with a creeping, upright or hanging trunk. The highest seedling height reaches 0.75 m. Regardless of the specific variety, the greenery is slightly covered with sticky hairs. Their maximum concentration is created on foliage.
The leaf axils form short, elastic peduncles. Each peduncle becomes the basis for a single bud. The color of flowers in petunias is almost as varied as in roses. Despite the setting of single buds, the appearance of the crop is spectacular due to the large number of flowers.
Varieties with a description
Ampelnaya
It is useful to start a conversation about the best types of petunias with an ampelous group. Shoots growing downward allow you to form the most intricate shapes in configuration. Basically ampelous varieties are planted:
in pots;
boxes of various sizes;
containers;
occasionally - into open soil.
The popularity of the varietal group of surfinias is high. They are appreciated:
for early flowering;
resistance to unfavorable meteorological conditions;
green mass gain rate;
variety of tonalities.
Noteworthy is the Table Yellow variety. The plant produces unusual looking lemon-colored flowers. The small size of the buds makes the culture compact, the variety is perfectly combined with other ampel varieties. Low-growing types of petunias grow on average from 0.25 to 0.3 m. Such flowers are suitable for open ground and for a hanging pot. However, one must understand that such plants survive very badly with a lack of light.
For self-cultivation of ampel petunias, F1 hybrids are best suited. They are distinguished by increased endurance. Even if there is insufficient care, development will proceed normally. The Avalanche variety is in demand for decorating loggias and arbors. The petals of the buds are painted in rich juicy tones.
The aesthetic characteristics of the Avalanche are not the only reason to opt for it. This variety also blooms for a very long time. A classic ampelous plant is , for example, Velvet. This variety forms velvety foliage and petals of a similar color. Basically, these plants are planted where there are not enough pollinating insects.
But it must be borne in mind that "Velvet" gives mini-flowers, albeit located on long inflorescences. And flowering itself comes very late. Part of the solution is the use of growth accelerators and regular pinching. The most popular among all ampel petunias is "Explorer".
This variety is readily grown by most gardeners, attracted by the colossal variety of tonalities.
In addition, the Explorer's branches are extremely long - up to 1.5 m. Their internal structure is reliable enough to guarantee resistance even to very strong winds. And the wax coating reliably blocks the harmful effects of rain. As for the Davydovka variety, its cultivation should be considered last. Much more attractive may be "Rome Magenta".
The culture is one of the vegetative plants. For its cultivation, cuttings must be used, but the seeds are categorically not suitable. In the middle of the flower, a dark burgundy area develops. The perimeter of the flowers is painted in beige. Easy Wave Red is not a simple ampelous variety, it is a hybrid. The branches of the plant grow up to 0.8-1 m. During flowering, rich red inflorescences are formed. Combined with graceful green foliage, it looks charming.
Crazytunia moonstruck is still a relatively rare petunia species. It differs from other ampel types:
early formation of flowers;
rather tall;
density during flowering;
excellent resistance to bad weather.
The variety is perfect for pots and hanging boxes. Reproduction is carried out only by cuttings. The seed pods are empty after ripening. There is no need for pinching and pruning. Sweetunia suzie storm is also gaining popularity now.
The variety is developed by one of the Dutch companies. The attractive features of the plant are the power of flowering and solid branching. The bush reaches a medium size, but at the same time it is slightly raised above the pots. Petunia forms a dome-like crown. There are a lot of flowers, and they persist until the onset of frost.
The shape of the flower is like a funnel. Its size is 0.05-0.07 m. To activate flowering, it is necessary to systematically remove faded areas. Sweetunia suzie storm requires bright backlighting, but can tolerate slight shading.
Watering should be carried out evenly, avoiding liquid stagnation.
Johnny Flame also stands out in the Sweetunia line . The variety is characterized by a luxurious look of flowers, of which a lot is formed. The plant looks beautiful.
Of the other varieties, look at Nuvolari. Strictly speaking, this is not an ampelous, but partially ampelous variety.
The axils of the foliage located in the center of the bush can form flowering shoots. As a result, the denudation of petunias (which systematically comprehends other varieties) is excluded. The developers of Nuvolari have tried to maximize its resistance to extreme heat. The required size of the pots is from 0.15 to 0.17 m.
To complete the review of ampelous petunias is at Parple Velvet.
It belongs to the subgroup of surfinia. The branches of the bushes reach 1 m. Purple petals with dark centers look spectacular.
To be sure to keep the plant outdoors, you will have to place it where there is no danger from the wind. You also have to take care of systematic pinching.
Cascade
This category of petunias is ideal for a terrace, loggia or gazebo. Thick bushes, over which a lot of flowers are scattered, look great anywhere. Popular sources recommend growing "Cherry", "Ramblin" or "Rose".
But you can try other cascading varieties such as Silver.
Such a culture stands out for its brightness and external appeal. But what to say, if it is difficult to find another petunia with a height of 1.5 m. Even heavy showers and gusty winds hardly harm it. And if there are any problems, the plant will recover easily and quickly. You can expect the appearance of a bush covered with 100-200 flowers by the end of the first month.
Petunia of the "Most Excellent" variety (subspecies "Alba") is one of the tetraploids. The height of the plant varies from 0.35 to 0.4 m. The diameter of the flowers reaches 0.16 m. Despite the power and high height, the bush branches weakly.
Whether in a box or in a flower bed, such a petunia will immediately attract attention.
Bush
The bulk of petunia varieties are bush type. It is characterized by the brightness of color and its variety. Nothing unusual - these plants come from South America, famous for its lush vegetation. Any bush petunia has large flowers. Their diameter is 0.01-0.014 m.
The inflorescences contain 2 flowers. They have different edge geometry. The "Daddy" variety grows up to 0.25 m. This variety perfectly tolerates dryness, rainfall, and wind. You can successfully grow a culture in diffused light.
There is "Daddy" with four different colors of buds. "Pikoti" stands out with a white edging, which makes the flowers seem extremely elegant. Flowering lasts all summer, until the arrival of the autumn cold. "Pikoti" is used in home vases, and in boxes and hanging baskets. The bush variety "Storm" is recommended for decorating houses, garden plots or balconies.
Large flowers are rounded. An attractive feature of "Storm" for gardeners is its resistance to gray rot. It is reliably preserved even when it rains all summer. The bush grows up to 0.35 m. Petunia "Polaris" - an annual obtained on the basis of the "Aelita" variety, can also be a good choice.
As breeders say, the plant survives all weather disasters perfectly. It can form bushes up to 0.3 m high. Ultra petunia is recommended for large flower beds. Its imposing flowers have a wavy edge. The growth of Ultra is very fast.
Peppy blueberry muffin is a type of petunia with increased bushiness. Its lashes reach 0.4-0.6 m in length. The plant can form a very dense cap of flowers. They adapt their color to temperature and light levels.
The most spectacular look is created in partial shade, the variety is used in hanging baskets and in garden pots.
Large-flowered
Among the large-flowered petunias, the Blue Falls F1 stands out. The culture grows quickly and blooms early. Then flowering does not stop until frost begins. The variety can be used in ampel gardening. Even in very bad weather, the shrub retains its basic qualities. Judging by the reviews of flower growers, "Waterfall" manifests itself best of all on curbs, loggias and balconies.
The "Limbo" variety, along with the large-flowered one, also belongs to the dwarf hybrid group. When growing such a petunia in a room, its growth can reach 0.15 m.When cultivated in open ground - up to 0.2 m.
The same diameter (0.2 m) is typical for purple-colored flowers. Interesting: at "Limbo" on each bush multi-colored inflorescences can be placed. Of the more traditional varieties, "Alderman" deserves attention. This is an annual, stretching up to a maximum of 0.3 m. Shoots hang from a wide dense bush.
An attractive feature of "Alderman" is the large blue-violet flowers. They retain their attractiveness for 3 or 4 months. Group disembarkation prevails. Caring for Alderman is relatively simple. You can even propagate petunia by seeds.
Important: when growing seedlings, you will have to make a lot of effort. But, having successfully obtained adult plants of this variety, it is easy to decorate flower beds, balconies or simple grassy lawns. Variety "Prism" also does not require too complex care in adulthood. Such a plant gives excellent results in any part of the world - and is popular everywhere.
Important: despite the simplicity of the rules of care, they cannot be ignored.
The slightest deviation can lead to bad consequences. Sophia F1 is a hybrid type that produces graceful flowers. The bushes are highly branched and bloom for a long time. They form light pink flowers with juicy veins of carmine-pink color. The diameter of the bud is 0.07-0.09 m.
The culture loves warmth and light, tolerates dry periods quite well. "Sofia" is planted both in groups and in large tracts. The plant is advised for landscaping the balcony. By pinching the top early, you can increase the splendor of the flowering.
Floribunda is not a variety, but a whole group that occupies transitional places from multi-flowered to large-flowered varieties of petunias.
The Sonya F1 series of hybrids falls into the same category. Plant height reaches 0.25 m. There are 11 hybrids, which can differ in the most extraordinary and expressive color. The Celebrity F1 Series is renowned for its excellent resistance to heat and rainfall. In addition, the representatives of the group are colored very interestingly, contain contrastingly colored veins.
Among the Celebrity petunias there are already over 30 different colors. Large-flowered plants can also be of the double type. This is typical of Madness hybrids. Some specimens develop white petals. The series is characterized by numerous flowers with a diameter of 0.07 m.
Multi-flowered
Of the multi-flowered group of petunias, Glafira is very popular. The cultivar forms a relatively modest bush. Its maximum height is 0.3 m. And in some cases only 0.2 m in general. But flowering begins in May (provided that the seeds are sown early).
Glafira is often used when you need to decorate a patio or a covered terrace. However, it will look good on a regular windowsill. The diameter of the flowers will be 0.045-0.065 m. Flowering does not stop all season. Another positive feature is that Glafira gets through short dry moments well.
The "Flame" variety is so named not in vain. When it blooms, it seems that the bush is covered with frozen fire tongues. The plant loves light and can tolerate short droughts. Flowering begins in June and ends only in September. The bush reaches 0.3 m and is very dense.
Any nutrient soil is suitable for the "Flame". Seedlings are advised to plant in May.
"Cherry Crystal" is an annual with a height of 0.3 m and a flower diameter of 0.07 m. This mixture of petunias is covered with buds so densely during flowering that it is difficult to see the rest of the parts. At the same time, an extraordinary harmony of color is guaranteed.
The use of the Berenika variety also opens up excellent prospects. The petunia of this variety is relatively short. Annual strongly branches and spreads. It is often used for flower bed planting, ridges, large arrays of flowering plants. But you can use this petunia to decorate balconies and in the yard in a hanging basket.
Single flowers of Berenice resemble a funnel. Their diameter ranges from 0.05 to 0.07 m. Both stems and foliage are covered with a fluffy layer of hairs.
The Snezhniy ball variety achieves excellent performance only with the right choice of seeds.
If they take root well, then a fluffy and pleasant-looking bush will appear for sure.
Small-flowered
The Latin name for small-flowered petunias - milliflora - has long been included in horticultural catalogs. All such plants are annuals, the stems of which grow straight. Height no more than 0.25 m. Small buds are similar to a funnel or a bell. The size of the flowers ranges from 0.025 to 0.04 m.
"Pink F1" is distinguished by abundant branching. Plants develop flexible, powerfully developing lateral shoots. Flowers will delight people until the beginning of frost. They are made up of simple petals. "Yellow duck F1" is very close to "Pink" (both in the length of the shoots, and in growth, and in flowering).
The variety gives excellent decorative results:
in open ground;
in a flowerpot;
in a hanging basket.
Vegetative
Among vegetative petunias, the first place deservedly turns out to be "Thunderous Sky", it is also Lightning Sky. The variety was developed by German breeders. A characteristic feature of the plant is the white color of the middle of the flowers, combined with a dark crimson edge. Both of these colors are diluted with attractive looking spots. Importantly, each copy of Stormy Sky is completely inimitable.
Variety "Baby Doll" - this is a very elegant, pink, with scattered white spots and dots, petunia. Everything looks as if rays of light and music are falling on her. The buds are colored in fuchsia tone.
Planting and growing principles are the same as for other varieties. This produces a truly brilliant plant.
Constellation virgo also deserves the most positive ratings. This is a medium-sized culture that gives a neat "hat". The plant blooms very profusely. And the flowers will be attractive in appearance.
Cascadias rim magenta stands out for its quick recovery after transplanting. In just 10-14 days, petunia of this variety forms fluffy bushes.
Also characteristic:
density and density of foliage;
an abundance of flowers;
cherry purple tone;
spherical bush.
Terry
Among this group of petunias, Angora F1 holds a good position. It produces relatively compact, but abundantly flowering bushes. Flowers form in June. "Valentina Terry" is distinguished by delicate salmon or simple red buds. She also has corrugated petals.
"Burgundy F1" forms burgundy, modest bushes. But at "Blue Danube" double flowers are painted in a lilac-bluish tone. "Duo" is distinguished by small flowers. Its bushes are covered with dense branches. Flowering lasts from June to August inclusive.
"Tumbelina" develops well only with more active care than other petunias. You will have to irrigate the land more often and feed the flower. Good lighting is equally important. If all this is guaranteed, an excellent result will be obtained.
The flower is very decorative and at the same time resistant to weather and attacks of microorganisms.
New varieties
Finally, it is worth talking about the latest achievements in the field of floriculture. Black Velvet variety obtained using genetic engineering techniques. English botanists managed to achieve the coloring of the bells certainly in a black tone. These are not those imitations of its dark purple or dark burgundy color that dominated until recently. Table Yellow, already described above, is also included in the number of new varieties.
Sarah - Newest Surfiniya (2018). It gives flowers of a red tone with a blackberry tint. And in Bea - also from the surfini group - fast growth and warm scarlet tone are positive properties. The "Dublon" flowers can develop:
pink;
blue;
lilac color.
The Evening Sense Petunia stands out even among these new varieties. She received one of the major awards in 2017. This is not too long ago, and there is already experience in the use of culture by gardeners. Therefore, you can always seek advice from other people.
Petunia has an exceptionally pleasant appearance and aroma.
Reviews
And yet it is worth reading not only the general descriptions of petunia varieties. Before you take this or that planting material, you need to take into account the reviews of people. In addition to the varieties already described, Surfinia Table White is popular. This plant is not sick and not too whimsical. It can be rooted without difficulty.
Fanfare White - judging by the reviews, this variety is good both as a tapeworm and as a component of flowering plantations. The plant is not capricious, regardless of the volume provided. It looks good even with chaotic top dressing. And Cascadias Indian Summer stands out for its beautiful colors. However, the culture will have to be sheltered from the rain.
In general, petunias are loved by flower growers for their attractive appearance, pleasant aroma and relative unpretentiousness.
Therefore, most of those who are engaged in breeding these charming plants leave only positive reviews about them.
Review of one of the best varieties - in the next video