Terry petunia is a representative of a large genus belonging to the Solanov family. A charming plant is not a gift from nature, but the creation of human hands. It was born as a result of many years of work by biologists, breeders and amateur flower growers. A gorgeous plant blooming with bright flowers will adorn any garden or flower bed near the house.

Features and main characteristics of terry petunias

A distinctive feature of terry petunia is that its flowers have a large number of petals, and not five, like the rest of the genus.

Terry petunia under the influence of genetic engineering has become a one-year hybrid. Lush double flowers can have a wide variety of colors: white, pink, purple, red and even dark purple, almost black. The height of the plant itself does not exceed 30 cm.

It is interesting: the name "petunia" comes from the Brazilian word "petun", which means "tobacco". The genus of petunia was originally described under this name in the 18th century, since its leaves are similar to those of tobacco.

Terry petunia

All varieties of terry petunia are divided into two subgroups:

  • large-flowered specimens with flowers about 10 cm;
  • multiflorous, with many small flowers.

Additional Information! The result of breeding work was that flower petals can be crimped and cut.

The variety of the palette of wavy, velvety flowers with small folds along the edges is great. Moreover, the flowers can be not only monochromatic. There are specimens with colored blots or borders along the edges of the petals.

The appearance of terry petunia under the correct breeding conditions will match the following description:

  • The root system is weakly branched. The short processes do not bend, but grow straight, they are practically parallel to each other. The adventitious and lateral roots are developed, but their length is not large enough for the plant to hold firmly in the ground. The length of the root is small: about 30-50 centimeters under the ground.
  • The stem resembles a thin elongated cylindrical tube. It differs little in color from the leaves. Shoots of the 2nd and 3rd orders extend from the main stem, depending on the bred generation, they spread or stretch upward after other vegetative organs of the plant.
  • The leaf blades on the front side are covered with fine hairs and have short cuttings. Moreover, the leaves are not symmetrical, they differ slightly from each other in shape.
  • Hybrid petunia is a multicolored mid-season plant. Flowering lasts 2-3 weeks. The color can be different: the color range from rich purple to pale pink and bluish shades.

Important! Terry petunias do not have the ability to set seeds.

Features of growing terry petunias

Petunia Gioconda - variety description

Multiflorous petunia needs special care when transplanted into open ground and with further development.

  • For planting, it is better to choose a shady place, into which the sun looks for 2-3 hours in the evening. Do not place it in areas with an excess of light, as direct rays can burn leaves and flowers. A completely dark space is also not suitable for terry petunias.
  • The constant removal of wilted flowers will keep the rest of the corolla healthy.If the dried and affected parts are not removed in time, the disease will spread throughout the plant and its relatives planted nearby.
  • For feeding terry petunia, it is recommended to use professional fertilizers containing a mixture of sodium, phosphorus residue and chlorides. These chemical elements will make the color of the petals more intense, as well as provide the plant with great health.
  • Terry petunia loves regular hydration with an interval of a couple of days. Old plants are recommended to be watered less frequently - once every 4 days.

Attention! Breeders have developed new varieties of the popular shaggy-flowered plant. It turned out that modern specimens can withstand unfavorable climatic conditions much better in the form of strong winds, prolonged rain and prolonged drought.

Features of growing terry petunias

According to gardeners, the best newest varieties are:

  1. Petunia Bicolor Duo. These are densely branched shrubs about 35 centimeters high, dotted with lush small flowers. The word duo is translated as "a duet of two voices." From the name it is clear that the terry petunia of this variety has a pair of colors in the flowers. The plant is not afraid of excess moisture and pleases people with its beauty all summer long
  2. Petunia Burgundy is a burgundy shade. These are low bushes with a large number of buds up to 7 centimeters in diameter. The herbaceous plant is also called multiflora or multiflorous. Such terry petunias are resistant to adverse weather conditions. Plants begin to bloom in mid-May and end with the arrival of the first frost.
  3. Petunia large-flowered double Cascade Burgundy has an unusual appearance: a short stem with large flowers, the corollas of which reach a diameter of 13 centimeters. This is with the growth of a bush of 0.2 meters. It is used for decorating balconies and flower beds, less often for decorating flowerpots.

On a note!Despite the fact that terry petunia has exotic roots, the plant has taken root in the northern latitudes. Thanks to this, Russian summer residents can enjoy its beautiful appearance on their plots.

Advantages and disadvantages of terry petunias

Gardeners note the following positive qualities of plants with lush flowers:

  • unpretentiousness and easy care;
  • versatility - a variety of varieties of terry petunias makes it possible to decorate balconies, loggias, terraces, verandas, flower beds, flower beds and recreation areas near the house.
Petunia Typhoon - variety description

But unfortunately for gardeners, the exquisite beauty of flowers is short-lived. The herbaceous fauna with lush flowers reacts to adverse weather conditions to a greater extent than other flowering plants. During the first frosts, long or heavy rains, charming flowers die.

Important! Terry petunia requires special care in the autumn. When the temperature drops to 0 degrees Celsius, the plant does not survive. Therefore, before the onset of cold weather, caring gardeners dig up the best preserved flowers, transplant them into pots or hanging containers. Place the structure warm. In this case, picturesque herbaceous plants will delight people for a long time.

Terry petunia is popular not only in Russia. She is familiar to many gardeners around the world. In order for plant lovers to understand each other, flowers are given Latin names. The word petunia hybrid in Latin is spelled like this - Petunia xhybrida.

Terry petunia is a culture of incredible beauty. Lush flowers of various colors and sizes allow everyone to choose a plant to their liking.