Petunia Petunia Surfinia Purple = 'Sunpurple' (PBR) (Surfinia Series)
![petunia [Surfinia Purple]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5c61be5c8.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
The Petunia Surfinia Purple, a member of the Surfinia Series, showcases a stunning display of vivid purple flowers. Each bloom presents a plush, velvety texture and a rich, deep purple hue that draws the eye. The flowers are characterized by their funnel-like shape, a signature look of petunias, with soft, smooth edges that gently ruffle. The plant itself is vigorous with a trailing habit, spilling over containers, baskets, or as a ground cover, giving a lush appearance. Amidst the striking purple flowers, the foliage is a bright green, creating a beautiful contrast. The leaves are of medium size, with a somewhat heart-shaped appearance and a slightly fuzzy texture that's typical of petunias. Overall, the Petunia Surfinia Purple is known for its profusion of blooms that cover the plant, creating a cascading sea of purple throughout its growing season.
About this plant
Names
Family
Solanaceae.
Synonyms
Surfinia Purple Petunia, Purple Wave Petunia, Cascading Petunia, Trailing Petunia.
Common names
Petunia x hybrida 'Sunpurple'
Toxicity
To humans
Petunias, including the Surfinia Purple variety, are not known to be toxic to humans. They are generally considered safe and do not typically cause adverse symptoms if ingested. However, it is still advisable not to consume any part of the plant, as it is not intended for human consumption.
To pets
Petunias, including the Surfinia Purple variety, are generally regarded as non-toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. If a pet ingests part of this plant, they are unlikely to experience any significant toxic effects. However, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea. It is always best to keep an eye on your pet and consult with a veterinarian if any unusual symptoms occur after ingestion.
Characteristics
Life cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
2 feet (60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
South America
Benefits
General Benefits
- Easy to grow - Petunia Surfinia Purple is known for being a low-maintenance plant, making it ideal for beginners and those who do not want to spend too much time on plant care.
- Vibrant color - It provides a vivid purple hue that can add a splash of color to gardens, balconies, or patios.
- Abundant blooming - This plant prolifically produces flowers throughout the growing season, ensuring a long-lasting display of color.
- Trailing habit - With its cascading growth, it is perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and container gardens, where it can elegantly spill over the edges.
- Drought tolerance - Once established, it has a degree of drought tolerance, making it a good choice for regions with occasional water shortages.
- Attracts pollinators - The blooms attract beneficial insects like butterflies and bees, which are essential for the pollination of plants.
- Versatile use - Suitable for a variety of garden designs and styles, from informal cottage gardens to more structured bedding arrangements.
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
- Edible Flowers: Petunia flowers are considered safe to eat and can add a vibrant pop of color to salads or desserts, though they have a very mild flavor.
- Artistic Dye: The vivid purple color of the flowers can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics or paper, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic dyes.
- Scented Sachets: Dried petunia flowers can be used to fill sachets, which can then be placed in drawers or closets to impart a gentle fragrance to linens and clothing.
- Photography: Petunias can provide an appealing and colorful subject for macro photography, attracting photographers interested in capturing the beauty of flowers.
- Floating Decorations: The flowers can float in water, so they can be used in decorative water bowls or vases for events or as a centerpiece on tables.
- Living Mulch: Dense plantings of petunias can serve as a living mulch, suppressing weeds and helping to retain soil moisture in garden beds.
- Ice Cubes: Freeze small petunia flowers in ice cube trays to create visually striking ice cubes for special occasion drinks.
- Insectary Plants: While not a target for pest insects, they can provide habitat for beneficial insects, particularly when interplanted within vegetable gardens or orchards.
- Seasonal Wrapping: Fresh or dried petunia flowers can be incorporated into gift wrapping for an added touch of natural beauty and personalization.
- Educational Tool: Petunias can be used to teach children or gardening beginners about plant growth, care, and the lifecycle of flowering plants.
Interesting Facts
Feng Shui
The petunia is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The petunia is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Anger or Resentment: In some cultures, petunias may symbolize feelings of anger or resentment, perhaps due to its intense color or because the flower can be somewhat overwhelming when planted in abundance.
- Desire: The rich purple hue of the 'Sunpurple' petunia can represent a strong desire or a passionate pursuit, akin to the depth of the color itself.
- Comfort and Soothing Presence: As petunias are often used in hanging baskets and to provide a comforting abundance of flowers, they can symbolize the presence of comfort or providing a soothing atmosphere.
- Refinement and Elegance: The sophisticated look of the Surfinia petunia with its trumpet-like flowers and vibrant purple color can symbolize elegance and refinement.
Water
The Surfinia Petunia requires regular watering to maintain moist soil, especially during hot weather. Water them deeply once or twice a week, providing about one to two gallons per plant each time, depending on the climate and soil drainage. During the peak of summer, you may need to water more frequently to prevent the soil from drying out completely. It's important not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Make sure the container or the ground where they are planted has good drainage.
Light
Surfinia Petunias flourish in full sunlight, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sun daily. They produce the best blooms and maintain vigorous growth when placed in a location that receives ample sunlight throughout the day. Avoid areas with too much shade, as this can lead to leggy growth and fewer flowers.
Temperature
Surfinia Petunias prefer warm temperatures and thrive in conditions that range between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can handle temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods but are sensitive to frost. Ideal growing conditions involve warm days and cooler nights to encourage robust flowering and growth.
Pruning
Pruning Surfinia Petunias is important to promote bushier growth and more abundant blooming. Pinch back the tips of the stems every few weeks during the growing season to encourage branching. The best time for pruning is in the late spring or early summer, but regular maintenance such as deadheading spent blooms can be done throughout the growing season.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
The Surfinia, or trailing petunia, thrives best in a well-draining soil mix consisting of peat moss, perlite, and compost. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth.
Repotting
Surfinia petunias should be repotted annually at the beginning of the growing season to replenish nutrients and provide room for root growth.
Humidity & Misting
Surfinia petunias prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to normal outdoor humidity conditions as long as their soil moisture is well-regulated.
Suitable locations
Indoor
Provide bright light, regular watering, and weekly feeding.
Outdoor
Place in full sun, water regularly, fertilize monthly.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycle
Petunia Surfinia Purple begins its life as a seed, which when sown in warm conditions, will germinate, usually within a week or two. Once germinated, seedlings will develop true leaves and can be transplanted into larger pots or hanging baskets. As the young plant grows, it enters the vegetative stage, producing a profusion of foliage and stems. Following the vegetative phase, it reaches maturity and starts to bloom, showcasing its vibrant purple flowers from late spring to early autumn. Throughout the blooming period, if deadheaded and cared for properly, the plant will continue to produce new flowers. Upon the arrival of frost or a significant drop in temperature, it will complete its annual life cycle, though in milder climates or when overwintered indoors, it may act as a perennial.
Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to early summer
The most popular method of propagating the Petunia surfinia, commonly referred to as Surfinia or trailing petunia, is through vegetative cuttings rather than by seed. To do this, growers take cuttings from healthy, established plants during the late spring or early summer. Cuttings should be about 3 to 4 inches long and include several pairs of leaves. The lower leaves are removed and the cut end of the stem is dipped in rooting hormone to encourage root development. The prepared cuttings are then inserted into a well-draining growing medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite, and kept under high humidity and indirect light until roots have formed, which generally takes 2 to 3 weeks. Once rooted, the cuttings can be transplanted into individual pots to grow on before being planted outdoors or sold.