Chiba University Matsudo/Kashiwa Campus Plant Database

Details of genus: Petunia Juss. [152]

genus_ja: ツクバネアサガオ

genus_en:

# spp.: 19

pub_year:

accepted: Accepted

Family: Solanaceae

family_ja: ナス

Infra familial classification: Subfamily Petunioideae

distribution_en: Bolivia to S. South America and SE. & S. Brazil

description_en: Genus of about 40 species of spreading to erect, branching, sticky-hairy annuals and perennials from stony slopes, steppes, and disturbed ground in South America. Simple, ovate to lance-shaped, mid- to dark green leaves are mostly alternate; upper leaves may be opposite. Showy, solitary, 5-lobed, fluted, single or double, saucer- or trumpet-shaped flowers are borne in the upper leaf axils. Many cultivars have been produced, derived primarily from P. axillaris, P. integrifolia, and P. violacea. Although perennials, they are grown as annuals, and are particularly useful in coastal gardens or in poor soil. The flowers, 3-10cm (1 1/4-4in) across, are borne from late spring to late autumn, in a variety of colours, mainly pink, red, pale yellow, violet-blue, or white. Some have dark veining, central white "stars", "halos" (throats in contrasting colours), or picotee margins. Leaves are usually 5-12cm (2-5in) long. The cultivars are divided into two groups. Grandiflora petunias have very large flowers, generally to 10cm (4in) across. Many are susceptible to rain damage, and are best grown in sheltered hanging baskets and containers. Multiflora petunias are bushier than Grandiflora petunias, with smaller flowers, to 5cm (2in) across, produced in greater quantity. They are usually more tolerant of wet weather, and are ideal for summer bedding or in a mixed border; individual plants may carpet an area up to 1m (3ft) across.

hardiness_en: Half hardy.

cultivation_en:

propagation_en: Sow seed at 13-18°C (55-64°F) in autumn or mid-spring. Take softwood cuttings in summer; in frost-prone areas, overwinter young plants under glass.

pests_en: Aphids and slugs may be troublesome. May be affected by fungal foot rot, and by a very wide range of viruses, including alfalfa mosaic virus, tomato spotted wilt virus, tobacco mosaic virus, and potato viruses.

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Update Information: Created: 2007-12-06 12:51; Updated: 2024-03-25 16:21 by hkokubun@mac.com

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