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Petunia
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The most popular and one of the most colourful annuals for the Australian summer garden. Modern breeding has improved petunias in recent years and they now come in a multitude of colours, forms and flowers sizes.
Multiflora petunias, widely used for bedding, are sturdy, compact plants with medium-sized flowers that cover the plant. Grandiflora petunias have magnificent single, double or frilled blooms. Millifloras are new dwarf varieties with smaller flowers.
Sun-loving plants which like only a moderate amount of fertiliser, petunias prefer slightly dry conditions once they are established. Plants in pots and hanging baskets will need more regular watering. Pinch back young plants when about 10cm high to encourage branching. Cut back flowers after the first flush finishes to encourage a second flush in late summer or early autumn.
Timing:
Plant in spring to flower in summer and autumn. Can be planted through summer.
Positioning:
Full sun.
Height:
30-35cm, Miniatures to 25cm
Planting Distance:
20-30cm for small-flowered bedding types, 30-40cm for large-flowered varieties.
Colour:
Big range; mixes or separate shades of blue, pink, red, salmon, violets, purple and white predominating.
Use:
Mass bedding and borders, rockeries, tubs, troughs, large pots, hanging baskets.
