Recognisable and popular – the pretty Petunia. Photo: Bedding Plant Growers Association
IF you are like many living a hectic lifestyle with precious little time to potter around the garden, then Petunias are for you. They are one of those rare gems that reward very little care with masses of blooms.
Petunias are one of the most recognisable and popular of the ornamental bedding plants. This is probably due to their hardiness coupled with their ability to bloom prolifically. There is a Petunia for every season and for every garden.
When planting Petunias, whether in containers, window boxes or beds, placing them along a north-facing wall is preferable, as it will trap a lot of heat and light. This is a prime growing position for petunias and will encourage them to flower throughout winter and spring – for up to five months!
Whilst your soil needn’t be particularly rich to grow good petunias, it must drain well. After planting, water regularly until the seedlings are established. Once settled, the secret behind successful Petunias is to allow the soil to dry slightly out before watering again. This is important as the drying out cycle encourages them to flower more profusely and keeps pathogens at bay.
• Another cheerful garden plant is the Chrysanthemum Paludosum. You’d be forgiven for thinking this small creeping daisy, with its all too familiar white petals and yellow centre, has its roots in South Africa, especially when you hear them referred to as Madeliefies! They are in fact native to the Mediterranean basin.
Also known as Creeping Daisy or Madeliefies, they produce masses of flowers from spring all the way through to late autumn. Their creeping nature make them excellent specimens for hanging baskets, containers and window boxes, but they’re also just as comfortable growing over an empty bed, as capably as dedicated ground covers do.
They can be planted all year round in slightly warmer areas but their one nemesis is strong winds.