Origin

Petunias (Petunia × hybrida) are a pretty flowering annual prized for their beautifully colored blooms. Their flowers can come in a number of different patterns and colors, including shades of purple, orange, white, pink, yellow, red, and green.

These plants are originally from South America but are now found all over the world as they've become one of the most popular garden flowers out there!

The height and spread of Petunias can vary immensely depending on the type - from 6 inches to 18 inches (15 - 45 cm) in height and with a spread of 18 inches (45 cm) to 4 feet (122 cm).

Care

In order to stay happy and produce plenty of healthy blooms, Petunias need full sun - preferably at least 6 hours per day. If you live in a particularly hot area, you may need to protect your plant from the harshest, hottest midday sun.

They need a good balance when it comes to watering - they don't like to be soggy, but they also don't like their soil to dry out.Try to make sure that no more than the top layer dries out between waterings, but also ensure that the soil is well-draining and doesn't ever stay overly wet for prolonged periods of time, as this can lead to root rot.

If you notice that the flowers start to wilt, it's most likely due to incorrect watering conditions. A little confusingly, both too much water and too little water can cause droopy blooms. Get into the habit of checking your Petunia's soil regularly - if it's completely dry, give them some water and consider watering more frequently if necessary. If the soil is very damp, you may need to reconsider how often you water your Petunias.

Other

Petunias can often start to become a bit leggy and uneven if they're not pruned, as blossoms can form even at the ends of long stems which don't have any leaves. If you notice this starting to happen, you can prune new shoots back in order to encourage new growth.

There are so many varieties of Petunias that you're sure to be able to find one that suits you and your preferences. There are some that have double blooms instead of single blooms, smooth petals or ruffled petals, and there are also a number of different pattern types available, such as striped or veined, alongside the classic solid color look.