Petunia axillaris

RHS Plant Profile

large white petunia

Synonyms

Petunia nyctaginiflora

Bedding Conservatory Greenhouse

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This plant is relatively rare in cultivation, and is a large white flowering night-scented species of petunia native to temperate South America. It has been used as a parent in many petunia hybrid breeding programs. It has pure white highly-scented funnel shaped, trumpet flowers that can be 3 to 7cm across and flowers prolifically on a vigorous gently mounding plant.

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Clay, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity: 1 year
Max Spread: 0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height: 0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam Sand

Moisture: Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH: Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun

Aspect: East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure: Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20): H3

Colour & Scent

Fragrance Flower

Season	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family: Solanaceae
Native to GB/Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Trailing, Spreading branched
Genus: Petunia can be annuals or perennials, with simple leaves and large, solitary, trumpet-shaped flowers in the upper leaf axils from late spring to autumn
Name Status: Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun, with shelter from drying winds. Plant out after frosts have passed

Propagation

Propagate by seed. Can be slow to germinate. Seeds need gentle warmth and must not be covered

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
City and courtyard gardens
Sub-tropical
Patio and container plants
Mediterranean climate plants
Bedding
Conservatory and greenhouse
Flower borders and beds

Pruning

Deadhead regularly

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and slugs

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds, foot rot and a virus