Petunia is a favorite decorative plant of gardeners. It has a graceful appearance, thin shoots and resembles a waterfall covered with flowers. The homeland of the shrub is South America. More than 100 years ago, modern hybrids were bred and adapted to the weather conditions of other countries.
Flower features
What is attractive culture for gardeners:
- rich palette for creating landscape design, decorating flower beds and flowerpots;
- unpretentiousness in cultivation;
- compatibility with any crops on the site.
These flora representatives are suitable for growing in gardens and on balconies
There are three types of petunia:
- ampelous;
- bush;
- cascading.
You can determine the bush variety in appearance, the sprouts are directed up or to the sides. However, differences between ampelous and cascading petunias are less obvious for a novice grower.
Ampoule and cascade petunia: difference
In appearance, the ampel variety has a number of features:
- the shape of the inflorescence resembles bells. Dozens of flowers are located along each shoot, in the axils of the plant;
- the palette includes colors from white to purple. As a rule, the inside is darker than the petals;
- stems of various lengths, about 30-100 cm. During the growth period, shoots fall to the ground, and do not fall apart on the sides. Thanks to this, it is possible to grow in hanging flowerpots and form a crown at the discretion of the gardener;
- individual varieties have large buds up to 10 cm in diameter. In such cases, you do not have to wait for a large number of flowers. Other varieties are distinguished by buds from 3 to 7 cm, located in 3 or 10 pieces. on the sprout.
For your information! To decorate the wall with falling lashes, you should not pinch the shoots of petunias.
One pot can have flowers of different shapes and colors
How cascading petunia differs from ampelous:
- the plant has strong elastic shoots that do not break under gusts of wind. The length of each of them reaches 1.5 m. A continuous mass of greenery grows from the sinuses. The stems begin to grow up, but when they reach a certain height, they tend to the ground;
- in appearance, the crown is like a ball framed by a cascade of flowers;
- the buds reach a diameter of 5 cm. Moreover, on one plant all the flowers are the same size.
Important! During flowering and the formation of the bud should be watered more often, fertilize the flower and do not forget about careful care.
Petunia ampelous and cascading - the difference:
- ampelous has thin stems up to 1.5 m in length. The cascade plant is distinguished by thick lashes of about 2 m;
- the direction of growth in ampelous petunia down;
- ampel varietal buds have different shades and numbers, while the parameters are cascading stricter: all flowers are the same color and size;
- the best option for landing ampelous are hanging containers. Spherical varieties prefer floor vases, pots, flower beds and other conventional planting methods.
Cascading petunia
How to distinguish ampelous petunia from bush
Shrub petunias are the least demanding in care, just pinch the top. This variety is the most common and includes several varieties of various shades. The shape resembles a small tree with a cloud of red, purple or variegated crown. In length, these representatives reach 30 cm, while the stems grow up. Terry, small-flowered and large-flowered varieties are distinguished.
Features bush species:
- rounded green shoots;
- the roots lie shallow in the ground;
- the entire green mass of the plant is covered with a small fluff;
- each variety is distinguished by large flowers, the diameter of which is at least 10 cm;
- peduncle short, upright stems;
- the transition of shades on the flowers is smooth, gradient. There are contrasting blotches on the borders;
- the edges of the buds can be with sharp teeth, wavy or corrugated;
- after the end of the period of formation of flowers remains seed box.
Note! Bush petunia does not require formation, it is enough to plant, pinch and trim correctly.
How to distinguish seedling of ampelous petunia from bush
Identify the difference and signs will not work on small shoots, since all varieties in this period look the same.
Only after the appearance of the first shoots in seedlings will it become clear how the formation
Ampelic petunias begin to grow lateral stems. In shape, such a flower will resemble a small bush without a main stem.
It is common for a bush variety to begin growth precisely from the main lash, from which lateral processes will later go. As a rule, this occurs after pinching or the appearance of the first buds.
Important! Ampelic and cascading petunias are planted 2 weeks earlier, since germination is slow. Before planting in the soil, it is important that the soil stands for 24 hours.
Features of growing petunias:
- growing occurs in seedlings in late March or early April;
- Before landing in open ground, make sure that the air is warmed up;
- pots with a wide top are used, since the root system of a plant is located close to the surface;
- it is important to ensure that the soil is not flooded with water, otherwise there is a risk of the appearance of a fungal disease.
Plant Care Rules:
- the flower garden should be kept clean, it is important to clean weeds;
- dig the soil shallow;
- top dressing in the form of liquid solutions is administered 2 times a month;
- fertilize with phosphorus and potassium during the appearance of flowers.
Petunia is the real queen of the flowerbed. It is a good option for decorating the garden, balcony, terrace, window sill or wall of the building. These flowers are planted in flower pots, pots and open ground. For landing, sunny areas protected from strong winds are suitable.
The shape of this plant is genetically laid, the method of cultivation depends on it. What is the difference between ampelous petunia from cascade and bush:
- short stems;
- flowers on one plant can be of different shapes and colors;
- greens immediately from the pot falls to the ground.
To distinguish ampelous from ordinary petunia, you should pay attention to the method of formation of shoots. The first does not have a main stem. This is what you should be guided by when choosing not to buy a "pig in a poke".
