Kinds of Petunias

Grandifloras

• This variety of petunia has big, broad flowers with ruffled edges. Grandifloras are high maintenance and must be protected from excessive heat to prevent rot. Grandifloras are divided into three categories. 'Storm' grandifloras are petunias that tolerate a variety of weather conditions and diseases, and are known for their 3- or 4-inch flowers. 'Ultra' grandifloras are petunias that grow in a tighter formation, spreading low to the ground. Like storm grandifloras, they also contain blooms measuring 3 to 4inches. 'Daddy' petunias produce bigger blooms, but also consist of unique, dark veins. Daddy petunias grow well in rainy conditions.

Multifloras

• These petunias are known for their strength and durability. Although multifloras lack the large-sized flowers characteristic of grandifloras, their blooms are still widespread and vigorous. There are three common varieties of multiflora petunias. 'Carpet' petunias grow densely, blooming earlier than other varieties. Blooms typically measure 1 1/2 to 2 inches. 'Primetime' multifloras bloom in a tight and even manner, producing flowers that measure 2 1/4 inches. 'Heavenly Lavender' petunias bloom early, tightly and in pairs, possessing a distinctive purplish blue color. Blooms typically measure 3 inches, while stalks grow 12 to 14 inches.

Floribundas

• These petunias fall somewhere between grandifloras and multifloras in size. Floribundas bloom freely and openly, sprouting medium-sized flowers. Three varieties of floribunda exist. 'Celebrity' petunias withstand rainy conditions and grow in a tight formation, producing flowers that measure 2 1/2 to 3 inches. 'Madness' petunias possess flowers measuring about 3 inches, varying from veiny and solid in color. Like 'Celebrity' petunias, 'Madness' petunias also tolerate rain well. 'Double Madness' petunias recover from rain with ease, and produce 3-inch flowers that live throughout the summer. Flowers bloom in a tightly compacted manner.

Millilfloras

• These petunias represent the smallest petunias available commercially. Flowers typically measure 1 to 1 1/2 inches. However, blooms are widespread and last longer than other varieties of petunia. Only one category of milliflora exists, known as 'Fantasy' petunias. These grow up to 10 inches high, forming tightly compacted bunches that suit baskets.

Trailing Petunias

• Although trailing petunias grow low to the ground, they spread widely, reaching 3 to 4 feet across. Known for their colorful nature, trailing petunias sprout flowers along the whole stem, resulting in lush, vibrant blooms. Three types of trailing petunias exist. 'Purple Wave' petunias appear reddish-purple in color. These petunias do not grow taller than 4 inches, but possess large flowers. Highly durable, 'Purple Wave' petunias resist high temperatures, dry conditions and rain. 'Wave' petunias do not grow as close to the ground as 'Purple Wave' petunias, and bloom in a variety of colors. 'Wave' petunias can be just as durable, surviving diseases as well as inclement weather. 'Opera Supreme' petunias flower vigorously, producing sizable blooms that last for extended seasons.