Petunia
Petunia
Family: Solanaceae · Also called Surfinia, Wave Petunia, Calibrachoa (Million Bells), Stimoryne
Powdery & Soft · Spring–Autumn bloomer
The petunia is the world's most planted bedding flower, a workhorse of window boxes, hanging baskets, and container gardens that blooms without pause from spring through frost. Modern breeding has produced an astonishing range of forms: from tiny millifloras to giant grandifloras, from solid colors to veined, starred, and picotee patterns, in every color including near-black.
comfort, your presence soothes me, desire
In the Victorian language of flowers, petunia means “Your presence soothes me”. The name 'petunia' comes from the Tupi-Guarani word 'petun' (tobacco), petunias are close relatives of tobacco. Modern petunias are among the most commercially important bedding plants in the world. The genome of Petunia was one of the first flower genomes fully sequenced, making it a model organism for plant genetics.
Did You Know?
Petunias are related to tobacco, tomatoes, and deadly nightshade, all members of the Solanaceae family. Night Sky petunia, with its galaxy-like pattern of white spots on deep purple, went viral in 2016 and became one of the most requested plants in garden center history. The pattern changes with temperature.
Open areas, roadsides, and forest edges of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay
Petunia is native to South America. It naturally grows in open areas, roadsides, and forest edges of argentina, brazil, and uruguay.
Scent Profile
“A sweet, spicy fragrance with tobacco-like undertones, most varieties are unscented, but heritage and night-scented types carry a distinctive, powdery warmth.”
Quick Reference
- Scientific NamePetunia
- FamilySolanaceae
- Native ToSouth America
- Bloom SeasonSpring–Autumn
- LifespanAnnual
Cultural Significance
The name 'petunia' comes from the Tupi-Guarani word 'petun' (tobacco), petunias are close relatives of tobacco. Modern petunias are among the most commercially important bedding plants in the world. The genome of Petunia was one of the first flower genomes fully sequenced, making it a model organism for plant genetics.