Petunias are a favorite in backyard gardens for their nonstop blooms, bright colors, and versatility. They grow well in garden beds, hanging baskets, and containers, making them perfect for patios, balconies, and flower borders.
Petunias are easy to care for, bloom from spring until frost, and quickly fill in empty spaces with color. From classic upright varieties to trailing types that spill over baskets, these are the most popular varieties of petunias to grow in your backyard.
1. Grandiflora Petunias
Grandiflora petunias are known for their large, showy flowers and bold colors. They are often grown in containers and hanging baskets where their blooms can be easily seen up close. While they produce stunning flowers, they prefer some protection from heavy rain and perform best in sunny, sheltered spots.
2. Multiflora Petunias
Multiflora petunias produce smaller flowers but bloom more heavily and consistently than grandifloras. They are more weather-resistant and handle rain and wind better. This variety is a great choice for garden beds and mass plantings.
3. Wave Petunias
Wave petunias are spreading plants that quickly cover ground or spill over containers. They produce a continuous display of blooms with minimal maintenance. This variety is extremely popular for hanging baskets, window boxes, and landscape use.
4. Supertunia Series
Supertunia petunias are known for their vigorous growth and long bloom season. They do not require deadheading and perform well in both containers and garden beds. This variety is a favorite for gardeners who want low-maintenance, high-impact color.
5. Calibrachoa (Million Bells)
Calibrachoa, often called Million Bells, produce masses of small, petunia-like flowers. They are ideal for hanging baskets and containers and bloom continuously throughout the season. While not true petunias, they are commonly grouped with them due to their similar care and appearance.
6. Trailing Petunias
Trailing petunias have long stems that spill over the edges of containers, hanging baskets, and raised beds. They bloom heavily and help soften hard edges in garden designs. This type is ideal for adding flowing color to patios and balconies.
7. Spreading Petunias
Spreading petunias grow wide rather than tall, quickly filling garden beds and ground spaces. They are low-maintenance and bloom continuously through the season. This variety works well as ground cover or for mass color in landscapes.
8. Floribunda Petunias
Floribunda petunias combine the large flowers of grandifloras with the durability of multifloras. They offer a balanced mix of size and weather resistance. This variety is a great choice for gardeners who want bold blooms with better performance in beds.
9. Double Petunias
Double petunias feature layered petals that create a full, rose-like appearance. They add texture and elegance to garden beds and containers. These petunias perform best in sheltered areas where their heavy blooms are protected from rain.
10. Mini Petunias
Mini petunias produce smaller flowers but bloom in abundance throughout the season. They are compact, tidy plants that work well in containers and edging. This variety is easy to manage and ideal for small spaces.
11. Cascadia Petunias
Cascadia petunias are a trailing variety known for their long, flowing stems and heavy flowering. They are especially popular for hanging baskets and elevated containers. This variety blooms continuously and creates a full, cascading look with minimal maintenance.
12. Surfinia Petunias
Surfinia petunias are vigorous trailing petunias that perform exceptionally well in warm weather. They produce large numbers of blooms and quickly fill containers and baskets. This variety is ideal for gardeners who want fast growth and dramatic spillover.
13. Tidal Wave Petunias
Tidal Wave petunias are known for their aggressive spreading habit and strong performance. They can be used as both ground cover and trailing plants in containers. This variety is great for covering large areas with consistent color.
14. Easy Wave Petunias
Easy Wave petunias offer the spreading growth of Wave petunias with slightly more upright flowers. They are versatile and work well in garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets. This variety is popular for its balance of coverage and bloom density.
15. Prism Sunshine Petunias
Prism Sunshine petunias produce bright yellow blooms that stand out in any garden setting. They grow in a compact, upright form and are well suited to garden beds and containers. This variety adds a cheerful pop of color and blooms reliably throughout the season.
Jamie is the founder of The Backyard Pros. When he was 15 years old he started working at a garden centre helping people buy plants, gardening products, and lawn care products. He has real estate experience and he is a home owner. Jamie loves backyard projects, refinishing furniture, and enjoys sharing his knowledge online.