are petunias native

Where do potunia petunias come from?

Like other petunias in the Potunia series, the 'Potunia Plus Red' requires less water than most petunias, helping it survive and thrive in hot, dry gardens. Native Areas: Nursery hybrid; parent species are native to South America

How many species of petunias are there?

There are about 20 species in the Petunia genus, all native to South America, but those grown as garden plants are almost always hybrids, most derived from P. axillaris and P. integrifolia.

Are wild petunias perennials?

Due to its size, be careful of exuberant neighbors, Wild Petunia can be easily overcome by larger neighbors. A native perennial of great character with flowers that will remind you of the annual bedding plant Petunia. Charming, low growing clumps produce light purple/lavender, tubular flowers from May to Oct.

What does a Petunia plant look like?

A native perennial of great character with flowers that will remind you of the annual bedding plant Petunia. Charming, low growing clumps produce light purple/lavender, tubular flowers from May to Oct. The flowers arise in groups at the leaf axis.

Are petunias native to North America?

petunia, genus of about 35 species of flowering plants in the nightshade family (Solanaceae), native to South America.

Are petunias an invasive species?

The wild, invasive form of this plant is so aggressive, it's banned in some states, and it's on a watch list of invasive plants in others. The state of Florida lists Mexican petunias as “highly invasive.” Native to Mexico and western South America, Ruellia simplex, also known as R. tweediana, R.

Where are petunias native?

South AmericanPetunia is genus of 20 species of flowering plants of South American origin.

Do wild petunias spread?

Propagation. Mexican petunia spreads naturally by both seeds – it can spew the small brown discs as far as ten feet – and rhizomes. Photo by Gretchen Heber. You can also propagate this plant via purchased seeds, cuttings, or division.

How do you get rid of wild petunias?

The best bet is to treat the foliage of the plants with glyphosate and kill them back to the root. Regrowth after the first application is expected, so be prepared to spray again each time you notice the plants setting new leaves.

Is Mexican petunia an invasive plant?

However, Mexican petunia (Ruellia simplex*) has been classified as a highly invasive plant in Florida. This means that it can escape from home gardens and spread into natural areas where it crowds out native species.

Do petunias attract hummingbirds?

Flowers that Attract Hummingbirds These include perennials such as bee balms, columbines, daylilies, and lupines; biennials such as foxgloves and hollyhocks; and many annuals, including cleomes, impatiens, and petunias.

How long do petunias last?

two to three yearsHow long do petunias last? In most climates, petunias last one season as annuals. But in certain warm climates, petunias generally last two to three years and will self-seed.

Are petunias poisonous to dogs?

Your furry friend will be safe around Petunias since these flowering plants are dog-friendly and not poisonous. Should your canine companion eat Petunias, they will be safe, although eating large quantities of anything, even if it is safe, can cause an upset stomach.

Do wild petunias come back every year?

USDA Hardiness Planting Zones If you are looking for a bright, quick-spreader, Wild Petunia is the wildflower for you! Its lovely lavender blooms return each year and can get somewhat aggressive, so make sure to plant somewhere you'd like a field full of purple blooms!

Do deer eat wild petunias?

Plants are pest resistant and are somewhat unpalatable to deer, rabbits and livestock. Excess shade and competition from neighboring plants can cause plants to weaken and decline. LANDSCAPE USES: This is a good choice for a Pollinator Garden, Prairie or Meadow.

Are petunias wildflowers?

Wild petunia is one of the few wildflowers that will bloom in partial to slightly denser shade. Seeds are generally not commercially available. To grow this plant from seed, collect mature capsules in a paper bag in mid- to late summer.

Are dwarf Mexican petunias invasive?

These plants grow both by spreading seeds and through rhizomes underground. They can get invasive if they are planted in areas where they can spread out and keep spreading their seeds.

Is Mexican petunia poisonous to humans?

Petunias are non-poisonous to children and pets, making these vigorous bloomers a great addition to your yard or patio space. You should always be careful and keep an eye on curious children and pets, especially if they have proven themselves to be inclined to eat things they shouldn't.

Is Mexican petunia invasive in Texas?

You either love this plant – or you hate it. It's Ruellia brittoniana, Mexican petunia. It loves Texas and it shows it by spreading as vigorously as mint in our gardens. In Southeast Texas and across the Gulf Coast it has become invasive in subtropical wetlands, so be forewarned.

Is Mexican petunia invasive in Florida?

The Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council lists Mexican petunia (wild-type and non-sterile cultivars) as a Category 1 invasive species, meaning that it is "altering native plant communities by displacing native species, changing community structures or ecological functions, or hybridizing with natives" (Florida Exotic Pest ...

What is the genus of petunia?

Subfamily: Petunioideae. Genus: Petunia. Juss. Species. See text. Petunia is genus of 20 species of flowering plants of South American origin. The popular flower of the same name derived its epithet from the French, which took the word petun, meaning "tobacco," from a Tupi–Guarani language.

When do petunias grow?

Maximum growth occurs in late spring. Applying fertilizer monthly or weekly, depending on the variety, will help the plant grow quickly. In horticulture many terms are used to denote different types of cultivated petunia. These include Grandiflora, Multiflora, Wave (Spreading), Supertunia, Cascadia and Surfinia.

What is the name of the worm that eats petunias?

Most petunias are diploid with 14 chromosomes and are interfertile with other petunia species, as well as with Calibrachoa . The tubular flowers are favoured by some Lepidoptera species, including the Hummingbird hawk moth. The flowers are eaten by the larvae of the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea and the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni.

What does a petunia symbolise?

When given as a gift, Petunias have (in the language of flowers) two mutually exclusive meanings, symbolising on the one hand being comfortable with someone, and on the other anger and resentment.

Is Petunia a plant?

Petunia is a genus in the family Solanaceae, subfamily Petunioideae. Well known members of Solanaceae in other subfamilies include tobacco (subfamily Nicotianoideae ), and the cape gooseberry, tomato, potato, deadly nightshade and chili pepper (subfamily Solanoideae ). Some botanists place the plants of the genus Calibrachoa in the genus Petunia, but this is not accepted by others. Petchoa is a hybrid genus derived from crossing Calibrachoa and Petunia.

Where do petunias come from?

Petunias ( Petunia spp.) were originally native to South America, but the petunias that we grow today ( Petunia x hybrida) comprise a large family of hybrids derived from many species. Petunias are usually separated into two categories; grandiflora (large-flowered) and mulitflora (many-flowered).

How big do petunias get?

Some petunias will only grow to be about 6 inches tall while others can get over a foot tall. The spread of your petunia plant will depend on the variety as well, with some varieties spreading only about 18 inches while others can spread out as much as 4 feet.

What are petunias used for?

This variety of petunias makes them quite versatile in the landscape. They can be used for color masses, in containers, hanging baskets, or as a seasonal groundcover.

Is petunia a winter annual?

Petunias. In Florida, petunias are a popular winter annual. Their long flowering period, the wide array of colors and forms available, and the ease with which they grow make them a favorite among gardeners.

Do petunias have bugs?

Petunias have few serious insect or disease pests. Aphids and caterpillars may be an occasional problem. Petal blight can be a problem in rainy and very humid weather; avoid getting leaves or flowers wet when watering. Viruses occasionally affect petunias.

Can petunias be ruffled?

Flowers can be ruffled, fringed, or double, in almost any color imaginable. Some flowers will be one solid color while others have contrasting veins or edges, and in some varieties the flower even has a star pattern. This variety of petunias makes them quite versatile in the landscape.

Do you need to deadhead petunias in Florida?

You can pinch off the top inch of petunia plants to encourage good branching. Deadheading is necessary on large-flowered and double petunias while many of the smaller flowered cultivars are self-cleaning. Gardeners in North Florida may have to protect their petunias from frost.

Where does Petunia come from?

The Petunia recognized by most gardeners is botanically known as Petunia x hybrida and refers to the crosses between Petunia axillaris and Petunia integrifolia. A member of the Tobacco Family or Solanaceae, Petunia is native to regions throughout South America. The name was originally penned in 1803 by the French Botanist Antoine Laurent de Jussieu (1748–1836). It came from the word Petun, the Brazilian Tupian Indian name for this plant, which roughly translates to "worthless tobacco plant". The species are rather leggy plants with white or purple trumpet shaped flowers, consisting of five fused petals.

How big do petunias grow?

The Grandifloras and Multifloras spread to 12–18" in diameter, while the Millifloras reach a more demure 6–12". The fourth category features a distinctly spreading or cascading habit and include the very popular Wave® series, which has 2" diameter flowers opening over a spreading plant of 3–4' in diameter and only 6" tall. The Grandifloras, Multifloras and spreading forms can also sport double flowers, although they often do not tolerate wet weather conditions well. In general, Petunias need a full day of sun with soil that is well drained yet moist. They prefer fertile soils and if grown in containers will need liquid fertilizing every 2 weeks while the spreading forms will benefit from a liquid feeding on a weekly basis. If flowering begins to wane or the plants become leggy, pinch them back moderately, which will initiate new growth and blooms.

What is the difference between Petunia Crazytunia and Petunia Amore?

Petunia Crazytunia® Citrus Twist (Picture 1) is a very vibrant yellow with orange stripes while Petunia Amore® Queen of Hearts (Picture 2) has attractive red hearts on a yellow background. Petunia Crazytunia® ‘Moonstruck' (Picture 5) offers a unique coloration of dark blue with white blotches that resemble a starry sky, seemingly inspired by Vincent Willem van Gogh!

How tall does Wild Petunia grow?

Soil: Dry to moist, well-drained sandy soils; has been known to grow in wet, mucky soils. Exposure: Full sun to fairly dense shade. Growth habit: 6–18” tall. Propagation: Seed. Garden tips: Wild petunia is easy to grow and is incredibly adaptable to a variety of conditions. It is also a prolific self-seeder.

How big do wild petunias get?

Flowers are five- petaled, funnel-shaped and grows to about 2 inches in diameter. They may be purple, lavender or pale pinkish-white and are born in clusters along multibranched stems. Leaves are green, simple and ovate to elliptic with opposite arrangement. The leaves and stems are covered with fine hairs. Like other members of the Acanthaceae family, Wild petunia’s mature seed capsules will explode open, sending seeds far from the parent plant. The plant has many growth habits, from prostrate to erect with short or long internodes.

What is the growth habit of wild petunia?

The plant has many growth habits, from prostrate to erect with short or long internodes.

When does wild petunia bloom?

Wild petunia is a long-lived perennial wildflower found in moist to wet hammocks, flatwoods and sandhills, and along roadsides and in disturbed sites. It typically blooms in late spring through late summer/early fall.

Is a Ruellia a petunia?

Although the common name is “petunia,” the flowers in the Ruellia genus are not true petunias, which are members of the Solanaceae (nightshade) family.

Can wild petunias be planted in Florida?

Establishing Wild petunia in shadier locations will result in plants that appear lanky with fewer blooms. In North Florida, it is not recommended for mass plantings as it will die back in the winter, leaving a patch of stems.

What is the name of the flower that grows on a petunia?

Petunias are often classified according to their form by terms such as Grandiflora (large flowers), Multiflora (smaller, more plentiful flowers), Wave (spreading), Supertunia (larger than wave petunias but with a similar spilling growth habit), Cascadia (long, pendulous stems), and Surfinia (trailing stems with small bell-shaped flowers). ...

How to grow petunias from seed?

To grow the more unusual varieties—including some of the hybrids described here—you'll probably have to purchase seeds online and start them indoors 10–12 weeks before the outdoor planting date. Sprinkle the tiny seeds over a tray filled with seed starter mix, and place it in a warm, bright location until the seeds germinate and sprout into seedlings. Petunias are warm-weather plants, so make sure to harden the seedlings off before transplanting into the garden once the soil warms to at least 70 degrees.

What color is limelight petunia?

Like the zinnia variety of the same name, ‘Limelight’ petunias show that gardeners are hungry for the trendy magenta-and-lime-green color combo. A 2013 introduction, the tidy, compact growth habit of this petunia works well at the front of a border.

What flowers attract hummingbird moths?

National Garden Bureau. White petunias are de rigueur in the moon garden, where their nocturnal fragrance and glowing petals attract hummingbird moths. The delicate chartreuse throats of this variety also provide interest in the daylight and keep the blooms from looking washed out in bright light.

How warm should the soil be for petunias?

Petunias are warm-weather plants, so make sure to harden the seedlings off before transplanting into the garden once the soil warms to at least 70 degrees. 01 of 11.

What is the best petunia to grow with silver?

It has a more compact growth habit than many other petunias. ‘Fortunia Early Blue Vein’ has an almost silvery appearance, which pairs well with other silver plants, such as dusty miller. For an alternative silver petunia, try ‘Tidal Wave Silver,’ an All-America Selections (AAS) winner.

What is not to like about purple pirouette petunia?

What’s not to like about the ‘Purple Pirouette’ petunia? Tobacco budworms. The abundance of lush petals seems to lure the caterpillar from miles around. Nevertheless, if you occasionally have a problem with these pests, you should include this stunning annual in your garden. If you include only one or two plants in a mixed container garden, you might just escape the notice of the budworm. A dusting of Bt can also keep the horde in check.

What is a wild petunia?

Wild Petunia is a hummingbird favorite with trumpet-shaped lavender blooms that attract long-tongued bees and butterflies, as well. Seldom reaching more than one foot in height, it is an excellent companion to other low-growing plants. Native to much of the eastern U.S., Wild Petunia prefers dry sandy locations such as rock gardens, but it will thrive in well-drained loam. It self-seeds readily and is able to hold its own when combined with larger aggressive plants. Ruellia humilis is a host plant for caterpillars of the Common Buckeye butterfly.

What is the best flower for hummingbirds?

Ruellia humilis. Wild Petunia is a hummingbird favorite with trumpet-shaped lavender blooms that attract long-tongued bees and butterflies, as well. Seldom reaching more than one foot in height, it is an excellent companion to other low-growing …. More Detail.

Can native plants be grown outside of their native range?

Native plants can be grown outside of their native range in the appropriate growing conditions. This map shows the native range, as well as the introduced range, of this species.

Overview

Taxonomy

Species

Ecology

Cultivation

Uses

Symbolism and folklore