Petunia is a 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 , 'tobacco', from a Tupi–Guarani language. A tender perennial plant, most of the varieties seen in gardens are hybrids (Petunia × atkinsiana, also known as Petunia × hybrida).
Taxonomy 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 peppers (subfamily Solanoideae).“Classification for Kingdom Plantae Down to Family Solanaceae”. Natural Resources Conservation Service. United States Department of Agriculture. 2009. Web. July 8, 2009. Some botanists place the plants of the genus Calibrachoa in the genus Petunia, but this is not accepted by others.The Plant List: Petunia Petchoa is a hybrid genus derived from crossing Calibrachoa and Petunia.The Value of Growing Petchoa SuperCal®. Ornamental News Oct 25 2012
Species Species include:
Ecology Petunias are generally insect pollinated, with the exception of P. exserta, which is a rare, red-flowered, hummingbird-pollinated species. Most petunias are diploid with 14 chromosomes and are interfertile with other petunia species,Griesbach, R.J.(2007) in Flower breeding and genetics: Issues, challenges and opportunities for the 21st century, Petunia, ed Anderson N.O. (Springer, Dordrecht, The Netherlands), pp 301–336. as well as with Calibrachoa.
The tubular flowers are favoured by some Lepidoptera species, including the Hummingbird hawk moth.Butterfly Conservation
Cultivation Petunias can tolerate relatively harsh conditions and hot climates, but not frost. They need at least five hours of sunlight every day and flourish in moist soil and conditions of low atmospheric humidity. They are best grown from seed. Watering once a week should be sufficient in most regions. Hanging baskets and other containers need more frequent watering.Brown, Deborah. “Growing Petunias” University of Minnesota Extension Office. University of Minnesota. 2009. Web. 25 June 2009. http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG1120.html Maximum growth occurs in late spring. Applying fertilizer monthly or weekly, depending on the variety, will help the plant grow quickly.
AGM cultivars The following is a selection of cultivars which have received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:
= 'Conblue' = 'Conglow' = 'Constraw' = 'Kleph15313' 'Storm Lavender' 'Storm Pink' 'Storm Salmon' = 'Suntosol' = 'Sunpurple' = 'Kerpril'
Uses Many species other than Petunia × atkinsiana are also gaining popularity in the home garden. A wide range of flower colours, sizes, and plant architectures are available in both Petunia × atkinsiana and other species.
Genetically engineered bioluminescent Petunia hybrida was approved for sales by USDA in 2023. Called 'Firefly', this white-flowered petunia glows due to inserted genes from a bioluminescent mushroom.
Symbolism and folklore The Maya and Inca believed that the scent of petunias had the power to ward off underworld monsters and spirits. Their flower-buds were bunched together for magical drinks.
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