Petunia

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Petunia
Cultivated freesias
Cultivated freesias
Plant Info
Common name(s): Freesia
Growth habit: Corm
Height: 40cm
Width: 15cm
Lifespan: Perennial
Exposure: Sun, Indoors
Features: Flowers, Fragrance, Naturalizes
Hardiness: Frost sensitive
USDA Zones: 8-11
Sunset Zones: 8, 9, 12-24
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: MagnoliophytaInsert non-formatted text here
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Asparagales
Family: Iridaceae
Genus: Freesia
Klatt

Species
See text.

Petunia is a, trumpet shaped, widely-cultivated genus of flowering plants of South American origin, in the family Solanaceae. Most of the varieties seen in gardens are hybrids (Petunia x hybrida). A wide range of flower colors, sizes, and plant architectures are available in both the hybrid and open-pollinated species.

Species

  • Petunia axillaris
  • Petunia integrifolia
  • Petunia x hybrida Wave Pink Hybrid
  • Petunia grandiflora Park's Whopper Hybrid Burgundy

Cultivation

When growing petunias, it's best to leave them in full sunlight[1] and only water them when their soil is dry to the touch. Although generally grown as annuals (at least in temperate areas), they are perennial in warm climates (roughly zone 9 or warmer).[2][3]

Propagation

Petunias are generally insect pollinated with the exception of P. exserta, which is a rare, bird pollinated species. Most petunias are diploid with 14 or 18 chromosomes and are interfertile with other petunia species.

Pests and diseases

The foliage of Petunias are sometimes eaten by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Dot Moth and Hummingbird hawk moth.

Uses

History

Purple Petunias

The popular flower got its name from French, which took the word petun 'tobacco' from a Tupi-Guarani language.

The origin of P. x hybrida is thought the be a hybridaization between P. axillaris and P. integrifolia. Many open-pollinated species are also gaining popularity in the home garden.

Taxonomy

Some botanists place the plants of the genus Calibrachoa in the genus Petunia. Botanically speaking, tobacco, tomato, potato, and petunia are all in the family Solanaceae.

Distribution and habitat

References

  • Flora: The Gardener's Bible, by Sean Hogan. Global Book Publishing, 2003. ISBN 0881926248
  • American Horticultural Society: A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants, by Christopher Brickell, Judith D. Zuk. 1996. ISBN 0789419432

See also

External links

  1. "Petunia (HGIC 1171)". Clemson Extension Home & Garden Information Center.
  2. Jack Scheper (2003-05-20). "Petunia x hybrida".
  3. "Laura Bush Petunia".