Petunia patagonica
Patagonian petunia
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.
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cmTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow Purple | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical 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
Diseases
May be subsceptible to grey moulds, foot rot and a virus
Get involved
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