Petunia × atkinsiana


Petunia × atkinsiana is a Petunia plant "nothospecies", which encompasses all hybrid species of petunia between P. axillaris and P. integrifolia. Most of the petunias sold for cultivation in home gardens are this type and belong to this nothospecies. It is said to have originated with the Quaker plantsman James Atkins at his nursery at Painshill in 1834 but did not spread around the world until the 1990s.

Characteristics

Petunia × atkinsiana plants were originally produced by hybridisation between P. axillaris and P. integrifolia and other members of its complex, including Petunia inflata. P. axillaris bears night-fragrant, buff-white blossoms with long, thin tubes and somewhat flattened openings. The scent molecules emitted by the hybrids are generally similar to those from P. axillaris.

Cultivation

Petunia seeds germinate in 5 to 15 days. Petunias can tolerate relatively harsh conditions and hot climates. They need at least five hours of sunlight every day. They grow well in low humidity, moist soil. Young plants can be grown from seeds. Petunias should be watered once every two to five days. In drier regions, the plants should be watered daily. Dead corollas and seed-capsules should be removed to encourage further branching and flowering. Maximum growth occurs in late spring. The application of fertilizers once a month will help to promote quick growth. Petunias may readily be cultivated in tubs, window boxes, hanging baskets and other containers.

Categories

Grandiflora

This type of petunia has the largest flowers, up to in diameter. Of all the petunias, these have the widest variety of forms and colours but are the most likely to be damaged by heavy rain. There are four types of grandiflora and they are classified by their colours: 'Daddy Series', 'Merlin Blue Morn', 'Supercascade Series' and 'Ultra Series'.

Hedgiflora (spreading)

Hedgifloras or spreading petunias are characterised by their low height, but they have a large spread. They will cover a large area, provided they have adequate water and fertilization. 'Purple Wave' was the first introduced cultivar of spreading petunia and grows to a height of. 'Tidal Wave' is another spreading type of petunia but is much taller. 'Surfinia' petunias are another type of spreading petunia propagated by cuttings. 'Opera Supreme' is a cultivar with large flowers.

Multiflora

Multifloras are half the size of grandifloras, being in diameter. They are not easily damaged in heavy rain and are more sun-tolerant. Multiflora petunia cultivars include: 'Carpet Series' and 'Madness Series'. They spread quickly and are ideal for baskets.

Milliflora

Millifloras are the smallest of the petunias, being about across. These are commonly mixed with other plants in containers, along garden beds and edges. Millifloras are available in 'Fantasy Series' and are the easiest to find. 'Supertunia Mini Series' are also available in the milliflora category. They tolerate harsh weather better when compared with grandifloras and multifloras.
A common descriptor is Picotee, meaning that the edge of the flower is a different colour to the base, as in 'Fortunia Pink Picotee'.

AGM cultivars

The following cultivars have won the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit:
  • 'Storm Lavender'
  • 'Storm Pink'
  • 'Storm Salmon'