7 Types of Petunia That Are Easy to Grow and Gorgeous to See

Petunia is a flower loved for its bright colours, soft petals, and its ability to bloom almost nonstop through the warmer months. Whether you are adding them to your garden or a floral arrangement, petunias bring both beauty and charm to any space.

Petunia's meaning is often linked to comfort, peace, and heartfelt emotions, making it a thoughtful choice for both outdoor displays and personal gifts. But with so many types available, it can be hard to know which one suits your space, climate, or design best.

In this guide, you will discover the different types of petunia and how to choose the right one for your garden or bouquet. From compact growers to trailing varieties, each offers something special for flower lovers of all levels.

1. Grandiflora Petunias

Grandiflora petunias are the ones with big, eye-catching flowers, usually between 3 to 5 inches wide. If you want something showy for pots or garden borders, this type is a favourite.

They come in bold colours and sometimes have ruffled or double blooms. They do need some upkeep, especially in rainy or humid weather, since the large flowers can get damaged easily. But if you're up for a little deadheading, they’ll keep blooming beautifully.

Feature	Details
Bloom Size	3 to 5 inches
Growth Habit	Upright or slightly mounded
Plant Height	12 to 15 inches
Best For	Containers, hanging baskets, borders
Maintenance	Needs regular deadheading
Weather Tolerance	Sensitive to rain and humidity
Popular Series	Daddy, Dream, Supercascade

2. Multiflora Petunias

Multiflora petunias have smaller flowers than grandifloras, but they bloom in larger numbers and hold up better in rough weather. If you're planting a big garden bed or want something low-maintenance, this type is a smart choice.

They’re compact, sturdy, and great for sunny spots with lots of wind or rain. Many varieties are self-cleaning, so you won’t have to deadhead every bloom.

Feature	Details
Bloom Size	Around 2 inches
Growth Habit	Compact and bushy
Plant Height	10 to 12 inches
Best For	Garden beds, borders, containers
Maintenance	Often self-cleaning, low upkeep
Weather Tolerance	Good resistance to rain and wind
Popular Series	Carpet, Horizon, Celebrity, Mirage

3. Floribunda Petunias

Floribunda petunias are a cross between grandiflora and multiflora types, combining the best of both worlds. They have medium to large flowers like grandifloras, but are more durable and bloom more heavily, like multifloras.

These are great if you want lots of colour with less fuss. They work well in both containers and garden beds, though they may still need occasional deadheading to stay neat.

Feature	Details
Bloom Size	2 to 3 inches
Growth Habit	Mounded or bushy
Plant Height	8 to 15 inches
Best For	Containers, garden beds, borders
Maintenance	May need some deadheading
Weather Tolerance	Better than grandiflora, tolerates rain
Popular Series	Madness, Celebrity, Double Wave, Prism

4. Milliflora Petunias

Milliflora petunias are the smallest petunia variety, with blooms measuring only 1 to 1.5 inches wide. They bloom nonstop and stay neat, making them great for small spaces or low-maintenance gardens.

These mini petunias are perfect for edging, containers, and balcony planters. Most are self-cleaning, so you won’t need to deadhead them regularly.

Feature	Details
Bloom Size	1 to 1.5 inches
Growth Habit	Compact and mounded
Plant Height	Around 8 inches
Best For	Edging, containers, window boxes
Maintenance	Very low, often self-cleaning
Weather Tolerance	Good for hot or windy conditions
Popular Series	Picobella, Fantasy, Vivini

5. Trailing or Spreading Petunias

Trailing or spreading petunias grow outward instead of upward, making them ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, and ground covers. They can spread up to 4 feet wide and create a beautiful, flowing look.

They are low-maintenance and often self-cleaning, so you can enjoy the blooms without constant care. Popular series like Wave and Supertunia are known for their fast growth and long-lasting colour.

Feature	Details
Bloom Size	Around 2 inches
Growth Habit	Spreading or trailing
Plant Height	4 to 6 inches
Best For	Hanging baskets, ground cover, containers
Maintenance	Low, usually self-cleaning
Weather Tolerance	Heat and drought-tolerant
Popular Series	Wave, Supertunia, Surfinia, Easy Wave

6. Double Petunias

Double petunias are loved for their lush, ruffled blooms that look a bit like small roses. Each flower has extra petals, giving them a fuller and more textured appearance than regular petunias.

They’re perfect for adding a touch of elegance to containers or flower arrangements. While they’re beautiful, they may need a bit more care, especially after rain, since the heavy blooms can get weighed down.

Feature	Details
Bloom Size	Medium to large
Growth Habit	Upright or slightly mounded
Plant Height	10 to 15 inches
Best For	Containers, mixed arrangements, borders
Maintenance	May need deadheading and light pruning
Weather Tolerance	Moderate, avoid heavy rain
Popular Series	Double Wave, Pirouette, Duo

7. Specialty Series and Branded Hybrids

Specialty series and branded hybrids like Supertunia, Surfinia, Cascadia, and Wave petunias are known for their vigorous growth and nonstop blooms. These are modern hybrids bred for better colour, longer flowering, and less maintenance.

They’re often more resilient than traditional types and are ideal if you want petunias that bloom hard with minimal effort. Many are self-cleaning and thrive in containers, beds, and hanging baskets.

Brand/Series	Key Traits
Supertunia	Vigorous, self-cleaning, great for containers
Wave	Fast-spreading, low-growing, ideal ground cover
Surfinia	Trailing habit, weather-resistant, great in baskets
Cascadia	Vivid colours, good trailing form
Tidal Wave	More upright, it works as both a mound and a spreader
Double Wave	Ruffled blooms with a spreading habit

Conclusion About Types of Petunia Flower

Petunias come in many forms, from the big and bold grandifloras to the tiny and charming millifloras. Each type brings something special, making it easy to find the perfect match for your garden or flower arrangement.

Whether you are planting a sunny flower bed, decorating a balcony, or creating a bouquet, there is a petunia variety that fits your style and care preferences. With so many colours and growth habits to choose from, petunias offer endless possibilities for creativity and beauty.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Petunia Flower

Are Petunias Annuals Or Perennials?

Petunias are typically grown as annuals, but they can be perennials in warm climates like USDA zones 9 to 11.

What Is The Easiest Type Of Petunia To Grow?

Multiflora and Wave petunias are the easiest to grow because they are weather-tolerant and often self-cleaning.

Which Petunia Is Best For Hanging Baskets?

Trailing or spreading types like Supertunia and Wave are ideal for hanging baskets because they spill beautifully over the edges.

Do Petunias Need A Lot Of Sun?

Yes, petunias need at least 5 to 6 hours of full sun daily to bloom well and stay healthy.

Can I Mix Different Petunia Types In One Pot?

Yes, you can mix different types as long as they have similar sunlight and watering needs.

Do All Petunias Require Deadheading?

Not all types require it; many modern hybrids like Wave and Supertunia are self-cleaning.

What’s The Difference Between Grandiflora And Multiflora Petunias?

Grandiflora petunias have larger blooms but need more care, while multifloras have smaller flowers and are more weather-resistant.