Petunia Violacea Plants

Characteristics

• With a distinctive tolerance for heat and cold fluctuations, and a higher resistance to disease, the Petunia violacea holds up where other petunia varieties wilt. A trailing plant, dainty in appearance, it grows up to 2 feet in height and has a spread of 3 to 4 feet across. Blooms are prolific in a sunny environment and last from spring until frost. The Petunia violacea does best in the foreground. Bell-shaped flowers and a vivid blue-red violet color add punch to garden beds, containers and near walkways. The most notable characteristic of the Petunia violacea, however, is its strength and durability, especially in hot, sunny weather.

Care

• The Petunia violacea loves a warm, sunny area. It will tolerate some shade, but at least seven hours of direct sunlight ensures a healthy, full plant with an abundance of flowers. Less light exposure and the plant may grow spindly and slow production of blooms. It prefers medium to low amounts of water, well-drained soil and even handles alkaline soils nicely. Like a thick head of hair, this petunia looks its best with a regular trimming -- about 20 percent monthly during the growing season. Regular fertilizing works best -- one week after planting, use a slow-release 19-5-9 combination at 2 to 3 pounds per 100-square-foot area. Apply throughout the growing season. A 20-20-20 water-soluble formula is another suitable choice. When watering, take care not to moisten flowers. The petunia has a peculiar habit of closing its flowers when they become wet.

Disease and Insects

• The Petunia violacea tends to avoid the serious pest and disease problems that often plague other plant species. Though it may be susceptible to an aphid infestation on occasion, a solid spray of water, diluted dish soap or appropriate pesticide should easily remedy the situation. At times, slugs and snails may make a nuisance of themselves. Picking them off or making use of snail bait should keep the problem to a minimum. Fungus diseases are rare when plants are watered at ground level, but a bit of moisture on the leaves or flowers encourages fungus to move in. A drip system helps keep plants dry and watered to their liking.

Uses

• An iron hand in a velvet glove, the Petunia violacea has a cheerful beauty that belies its inner strength. Gorgeous in any garden, it particularly shines when allowed to spill forth along trail edges. It makes an excellent container plant, though it may steal the show. Combine it with other sun-loving plants, such as lantana, salvia and lavender for the best effect. Take advantage of its tendency to tumble forth -- allow it to soften edges, especially those made of concrete or rock.