Black Petunia Petunia Black Night = 'Pe11037' (PBR) (d)
ABOUT
Petunia Black Night, known more commonly as Petunia, boasts a dramatic floral display characterized by its deep, velvety black hue. The blossoms are unique with their dark coloring, presenting a nearly true black that sets an intriguing contrast against lighter foliage or neighboring plants. Each flower is funnel-shaped, a classic feature of the Petunia, and they unfurl to reveal wide, open faces that invite pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. The petals are soft to the touch, with a silky texture that enhances the luxuriousness of their appearance. The plant's foliage is a lush green, forming a dense backdrop for the striking flowers. The leaves are oval to elliptical in shape, with a somewhat sticky texture and pronounced veins that give them a slightly quilted look. Together, the richly colored blooms and vibrant green leaves create a bold and enchanting display in any garden.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Solanaceae
Synonyms
Petunia Black Night, Black Velvet Petunia
Common names
Petunia 'Black Night' Pe11037 (PBR) (d).
- Toxicity
To humans
The black petunia is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no significant symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant because it is not known to contain any compounds that are harmful to human health.
To pets
The black petunia is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. It does not typically produce any adverse symptoms if ingested by animals such as dogs and cats. There are no known toxic substances in this plant that would lead to poisoning in pets.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Visual Appeal: Petunia Black Night adds a striking visual impact to gardens due to its unique deep purple, almost black flowers.
- Easy to Grow: Known for being low maintenance and easy to cultivate, ideal for both experienced and novice gardeners.
- Versatility: Can be planted in garden beds, containers, hanging baskets, and window boxes, offering a variety of landscaping options.
- Continuous Blooming: Produces flowers continuously throughout the growing season, providing long-lasting color and interest.
- Attracts Pollinators: Attracts beneficial pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, supporting the local ecosystem.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it has a level of drought tolerance, making it suitable for climates with irregular watering.
- Heat Resistance: Capable of withstanding high temperatures, which makes it a great choice for warm climates.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Petunia Black Night can be used as a natural dye for fabrics, providing a deep purple or black hue, depending on the process used.
- The deep color of the petals can be used in art projects, such as pressing the flowers for botanical prints or integrating them into paper making.
- This variety of petunia can be featured in photography and film as a signifier of nocturnal scenes or to emphasize a gothic aesthetic in the composition.
- The flowers can be used as a decorative edible garnish in salads and desserts, providing a unique visual appeal, though they don't add significant flavor.
- As a teaching tool, the Petunia Black Night can be used in botany classes to demonstrate the genetics of flower coloration.
- The strong visual contrast of its dark flowers can be used in landscape design for dramatic emphasis or to create 'moon gardens' where the flowers are visible at night.
- These petunias can be used in crafting natural confetti for events that require biodegradable materials.
- The petals of the Petunia Black Night can be used in creating natural inks for artistic or calligraphic purposes.
- In sensory gardens, their velvety texture can add to the tactile experience for visitors, especially those with visual impairments.
- As a companion plant in vegetable gardens, Petunia Black Night can act as a trap crop for certain pests, protecting more vulnerable plants.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
Petunias are not typically associated with Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
Petunias are not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Anger and Resentment: The dark hue of Black Petunia may symbolize deep emotions such as anger or resentment, reflecting the intensity of these feelings.
- Mystery and Intrigue: Its unique and uncommon black color lends an air of mystery and intrigue to the plant, often associated with the unknown.
- Elegance and Sophistication: Black Petunias can also represent elegance and sophistication due to their striking appearance and rare beauty.
- Farewell or Ending: The color black is traditionally associated with mourning and farewells, so this plant could be used to symbolize the end of a phase or relationship.
- Water
Black Petunias require regular watering to thrive, especially during hot or dry periods. Aim to water them once every few days, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. When you water, do so thoroughly, ensuring you moisten the entire root zone. Depending on the size of the plant and environmental conditions, this might equate to around 1-2 gallons every week, although this can vary. It's important to avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot, so if in doubt, check the soil moisture at a depth of an inch or two.
- Light
Black Petunias prefer full sunlight to grow vigorously and produce abundant blooms. Ensure they receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot for these petunias would be in an area that receives morning sunlight and is protected from the hot afternoon sun, which can sometimes be too intense, especially in warmer climates.
- Temperature
Black Petunias thrive in moderate temperatures and can generally handle the typical outdoor conditions throughout the growing season. They prefer temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. While they can survive temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit, it's best to avoid prolonged exposure to temperatures below this range to prevent cold damage.
- Pruning
Regular pruning of Black Petunias encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Deadhead spent flowers and pinch back leggy stems throughout the growing season to maintain a neat appearance and encourage more flowering. The best time to prune is when the plants begin to look tired or overgrown, usually mid-season.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
For Petunia Black Night, a well-draining potting mix with peat moss or compost, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0, for optimal growth.
- Repotting
Petunias, including Petunia Black Night, generally do not require frequent repotting as they are annual plants. They are typically replanted each year with new soil mix, so repotting is done annually if grown in containers.
- Humidity & Misting
Petunia Black Night prefers moderate humidity levels; however, it is tolerant of a wide range of humidity conditions and does not require any special humidity adjustments when grown outdoors.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light, proper watering, and good air circulation.
Outdoor
Provide full sun, fertile soil, and regular watering.
Hardiness zone
Petunia Black Night is suitable for 9-11 USDA hardiness zones.
- Life cycle
The life cycle of the Petunia 'Black Night' begins with germination, where the seed will sprout and develop into a seedling under appropriate warmth and moisture conditions. As the seedling grows, it enters the vegetative stage, producing leaves and stems as it becomes an established plant. In the flowering stage, the petunia 'Black Night' produces its characteristic dark, velvety blooms that can be admired through the spring and summer months. Following pollination, the flowers will fade, and the plant will develop seed capsules during its reproductive stage. Once the seeds are mature, they can be dispersed to begin a new life cycle. As the colder months approach, the plant may die back if it is not in a climate where it can survive year-round, ending its annual cycle; however, in warmer climates or when provided with protection, petunias can survive as perennials, re-growing each spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
Propogation: Petunia Black Night, a cultivar known for its deep violet to black flowers, is commonly propagated through seed. Typically, for this variety, sowing the seeds should commence in late winter to early spring. To effectively propagate from seed, one starts by scattering the fine seeds across the surface of a soilless growing medium, as they require light for germination. The container should then be placed in a warm location with temperatures around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (21 to 24 degrees Celsius), ensuring the medium stays moist but not waterlogged. Covering the container with clear plastic wrap can help maintain humidity. Germination usually occurs within 7 to 14 days after sowing. Once seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into individual pots and later transferred to the garden after all danger of frost has passed.