Gentle as they may be, petunias are bound to dominate your outdoor space. They will conquer your hanging baskets (and your heart) with a stunning array of colors and forms and landscaping versatility.
While some traditional types demand regular care, newer hybrid varieties are developed to be whatever you need them to be: self-cleaning, heat-tolerant, and easy-to-grow pollinator magnets.
Are there differences between the different petunias?
Of course, the hybrids were specifically engineered to address some of the more… demanding traits of their predecessors. And even they aren’t all cut from the same cloth.
For instance, some traditional petunia varieties (particularly the large-flowered Grandifloras) are notorious for needing deadheading. I actually wrote a guide on how to deadhead petunias if you want them to stay full and blooming for longer.
On the other hand, many Supertunias and Waves are not. Modern breeding has given us many self-cleaning types, liberating us from the constant snipping.
Beyond maintenance, their structure dictates their best use. A more upright or mounding habit makes some petunia types wonderful choices for filling out garden beds or the center of mixed containers.
Others, like the beloved Waves, have incredible spreading and trailing capabilities, cascading over the sides of hanging baskets, window boxes, and even as sprawling ground covers.
You’ll also find differences in sun tolerance. Some varieties handle intense, all-day sun better than others, while specific types might prefer a touch of afternoon shade in scorching climates.
So, which ones are just right for you and your garden?
9 Stunning Petunia Varieties You Must Try
Now that you know their quirks, you can’t leaf it to chance anymore. Get ready for your garden to go bloooom!
1. Supertunia Vista Bubblegum
Begin your garden’s transformation with Supertunia Vista Bubblegum. It blankets large areas with bubblegum-pink blooms. Growing quickly and spreading widely, it fills garden beds or overflows substantial containers.
A self-cleaning variety, it needs no deadheading, simply blooming continuously from spring until frost. It creates a continuous wave of appealing color with minimal effort.
2. Wave Purple Classic
If that kind of vigorous spread appeals to you, the Wave Purple Classic is another must-have. This variety truly started the spreading petunia trend.
It produces a lush carpet of deep purple flowers covering the ground, ideal for extensive use. Its trailing stems excel at creating a flowing waterfall of purple from hanging baskets and containers.
If you’re growing petunias, I’ve shared a few simple habits that keep mine blooming strong all summer, they really do make a difference.
3. Tidal Wave Silver
Next for broad coverage, Tidal Wave Silver offers large, silvery-white blooms, often tinted with lavender, that shimmer in sunlight. Incredibly adaptable, it forms a dense mound when planted closely. Given room, it stretches dramatically as a unique ground cover, quickly filling large spaces with elegant flowers.
4. Night Sky
Moving from widespread blankets of color to something truly unique, the Night Sky petunia stands out. Deep purple flowers display white splashes and speckles, resembling a miniature galaxy.
Its distinct, variable pattern makes every flower a tiny work of art, adding surprise whether in a patio pot or nestled in a garden bed.
5. Double Cascade Series
Beyond unique patterns, the Double Cascade Series offers an old-world charm. Magnificent, ruffled double blooms genuinely resemble delicate carnations.
Find them in rich shades like burgundy and various pinks, and enjoy their luxurious, full texture. They are ideal for adding elegance and volume to containers and garden borders.
6. Shock Wave Coral Crush
Gardeners preferring compact plants with significant color will find Shock Wave Coral Crush excellent. It is covered in numerous small, cheerful coral flowers. Blooming early and tolerating diverse weather, this variety ensures consistent color. A smaller size suits hanging baskets or small pots perfectly.
7. Easy Wave Red Velour
Next, consider the Easy Wave Red Velour, a great choice for a bold, dramatic tide of color. Rich, velvety, red blooms show off quite a robust spreading habit. Like other Waves, it is low-maintenance, flowering continuously. It performs well in mass plantings or as a striking focal point in larger containers.
To keep those blooms coming, here’s how I like to fertilize my petunias throughout the season, it’s simpler than most people think.
8. Opera Supreme Pink Morn
Opera Supreme Pink Morn presents soft pink flowers that subtly transition to a yellow center, like a gentle sunrise. It’s one of the varieties with a beautiful trailing habit that produces abundant flowers.
Pink Morn cascades are perfect for window boxes and hanging baskets where everyone can fully appreciate its subtle hues and ample blooms. No matter what part of the day.
9. Carpet Pink
Finally, Carpet Pink rounds out the selection as a dense, low-spreading, continuous ground cover. It usually forms a mat of bright pink, medium-sized blooms, often with a pleasantly sweet scent.
Quite a reliable bloomer, it won’t require deadheading and will happily fill garden spaces, suppressing weeds as it spreads.
Don’t Stop Be-leafing in Petunias!
As you’ve seen, petunias today are far more than your grandma’s simple garden annuals. Their innovative hybrids favor us (lazy) gardeners with incredible versatility and low-maintenance beauty.
With so many varieties to choose from, it might take you some time to pick the ones perfect for you, but once you plant them, prepare for an unforgettable outdoor space.
And if petunias aren’t quite your thing, I’ve also shared a few low-maintenance alternatives worth checking out.
