Petunias for Patio Planters

When you think of summer annuals, Petunias are often the first flower that comes to mind. They are popular for summertime plantings from beds to containers and will do well in most climates. There is an incredible variety to from which to choose. The flower will certainly satisfy any color and growth habit needs for landscaping.

Petunias are excellent for patio planters because of their varied mounding and trailing habits. They also bloom continuously throughout the summer making them ideal for long-lasting summertime containers. Varieties that bloom bountifully and mound are good for filling space and adding color making any patio planter decadently full. Trailing varieties hang beautifully out of window boxes, down from hanging baskets or drape the sides of large containers.

Categories

According to Wikipedia there are four different categories of petunias separated by several distinguishing characteristics. The categories are Grandiflora, Hedgiflora, Multiflora and Milliflora. Grandifloras have the largest blooms and the most variety in color, however, they are most susceptible to destruction in heavy rains. Hedgiflora are trailing petunias that work well as ground cover or for trailing boarders in baskets and patio planters. “Wave” cultivars are very popular hedgiflora petunias.  Mulitflora are smaller than grandiflora, but are more sun tolerant and succumb less to rain damage. Milliflora are very small and tolerate harsh weather easily. They are good for boarders and mixed with other plants.

Care Considerations

Petunias like warm weather and should not be planted until all danger of frost has past. About.com Gardening suggests seeking out newer varieties that require less deadheading. Many older varieties of petunias need consistent removal of dead flowers to continue blooming throughout the season. Most petunias enjoy full sun except in the very hottest climates and many will also tolerate partial shade.  Like most plants in a container, petunias need water, but not too much. When over-watered petunias will quit producing as many flowers and stems will grow spindly. Make sure your container drains well and is filled with a potting mix that encourages good drainage. About.com Gardening warns that aphids are one of the few pests petunias experience. In most cases they will not cause too much damage and are usually controlled by natural predators such as ladybugs. They can also be sprayed off by a strong stream of water.

Design

There are many different cultivars to choose from. Petunias can be found in yellows, pinks, purples, white and white with pink or purple coloring. You are likely to find a petunia in the color that will match your preferences.  They can stand alone in a patio planter mounding and beautifully filling the whole space or they can complement other plants in a patio planter. Be sure you include them with other plants that thrive in full sun.  Consider adding ornamental grasses or cannas for height. Sweet potato vine or ivy can add trailing foliage. Geraniums can add another texture and more floral color. Calibrachoas also called Million Bells look very similar to petunias, but are very small and have a cascading growth habit. Petunias combined with Calibrachoas can make a colorful, densely blooming hanging basket. Before you purchase petunias always read the labels carefully so you are confident about the growth habit and the care needs of that particular variety.

Petunias are very easy to care for and reward any gardner with a plethora of blooms all season long. They are a perfect choice for color in a patio planter whether on their own or complementing other plants. Do you have a favorite variety of petunia? What is your favorite plant to pair with petunias?

Photo “Floral Arrangement of Petunias” courtesy of ElenaSchifrinet