Petunia patagonica

RHS Plant Profile
Patagonian petunia
Alpine Rockery

A rare and unusual, drought-tolerant, perennial, hardy alpine species with unusual flowers that are pale white to creamy yellow with purple-brown veining. Its unique flowers fade to give two different colour combinations of flowers on the same plant. It must have very free draining, quite poor soil in crevices / walls, between rocks in a scree garden or bed, or grow in pots and troughs. It can reach a height of approximately 8cm and a spread of 30cm. The leaves of the plant are tiny, quite succulent and mid-green in colour. The plant is gently spreading and almost cushion or Sedum-like in appearance.

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Sand, Loam, Clay

Max Height

Up to 10 cm

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
Up to 10 cm

Growing Conditions

Sand Loam Clay
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Solanaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Matforming, 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
Plant Range
Patagonia

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in light, poor, well-drained soil in full sun. See alpine cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed and softwood cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Rock garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Gravel garden

Pruning

No pruning required. Dead-head after flowering.

Pests

May be susceptible to aphids and slugs

Diseases

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