Petunia

Petunia is a genus in the family Solanaceae, subfamily Petunioideae. Well known members of Solanaceae in other subfamilies include tobacco (subfamily Nicotianoideae), and the cape gooseberry, tomato, potato, deadly nightshade and chili pepper (subfamily Solanoideae).[2] Some botanists place the plants of the genus Calibrachoa in the genus Petunia,[3] but this is not accepted by others.[4][5][6] Petchoa is a hybrid genus derived from crossing Calibrachoa and Petunia.[7]

Species include:[8]

Petunias are generally insect pollinated, with the exception of P. exserta, which is a rare, red-flowered, hummingbird-pollinated species. Most petunias are diploid with 14 chromosomes and are interfertile with other petunia species,[9][10] as well as with Calibrachoa.

The tubular flowers are favoured by some Lepidoptera species, including the Hummingbird hawk moth.[11] The flowers are eaten by the larvae of the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea and the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni.[12]

Petunias can tolerate relatively harsh conditions and hot climates, but not frost. They need at least five hours of sunlight every day and flourish in moist soil and conditions of low atmospheric humidity. They are best grown from seed. Watering once a week should be sufficient in most regions. Hanging baskets and other containers need more frequent watering.[13] Maximum growth occurs in late spring. Applying fertilizer monthly or weekly, depending on the variety, will help the plant grow quickly.

In horticulture many terms are used to denote different types of cultivated petunia. These include Grandiflora, Multiflora, Wave (Spreading), Supertunia, Cascadia and Surfinia.

Many species other than Petunia × atkinsiana are also gaining popularity in the home garden.[14] A wide range of flower colours, sizes, and plant architectures are available in both Petunia × atkinsiana and other species, listed below:[3]

The Maya and Inca believed that the scent of petunias had the power to ward off underworld monsters and spirits. Their flower-buds were bunched together for magical drinks. According to New Age folklore, Petunias will only thrive where there is "positive energy" and will not grow in places where there is "negativity".[15]

When given as a gift, Petunias have (in the language of flowers) two mutually exclusive meanings, symbolising on the one hand being comfortable with someone,[16] and on the other anger and resentment.[17]

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  Red and White mixed Petunia.
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  Petunia, Violet, In NIT Agartala, India
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  A form of Petunia axillaris
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  White Petunia axillaris
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  Red Petunia in India
• 
  A cultivated form
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  Leaves of Petunia × atkinsiana
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  A cultivated form
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  Starry Night, found in Porto Alegre - Brazil.
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  Pink Sky Petunia