The Lobelia genus contains a few species of flowers that closely resemble petunias. Lobelia syphilitica, otherwise known as “great blue lobelia,” and Lobelia siphilitica alba both closely resemble small petunias with their bell-shaped flowers, vibrant colors, and long stems.
Other Lobelia varieties, such as Lobelia erinus and Lobelia cardinalis, are different in color and size, but still contain the same tent-shaped petunia look. All Lobelia varieties require the same type of care as petunias, such as rich, moist soils and frequent deadheading to promote continuous blooming.
What’s the difference between petunias and calibrachoa?
The main difference between petunias and calibrachoa is the type of flower they produce. Petunias have trumpet-shaped flowers with two petals, while calibrachoa have small, double-cupped, bell-shaped flowers.
Petunias are annuals, meaning they will need to be replanted each spring, while calibrachoa are tender perennials, meaning they will come back each season if you live in the right climate. Petunias prefer cooler temperatures and require more water than calibrachoa.
Calibrachoas do better in warmer climates, as well as with less water. Both petunias and calibrachoa are excellent in adding color to landscapes and container gardens, but you may want to consider both the type of flower they produce, as well as the conditions they require when making your selections.
Are vinca and petunias the same?
No, vinca and petunias are not the same. Vinca (Vinca Minor) is a perennial flowering ground cover, often referred to as periwinkle. It has evergreen leaves and produces small purple, pink, or white flowers from early spring to late summer.
It is a low-growing plant, reaching a maximum height of 8-10” and as a continuous bloomer, can provide long color throughout the summer months. Petunias, on the other hand, are annuals, which means they will die off after one season of growth, or two in warmer climates.
Petunias come in a variety of colors and blooms, from single to double and upright to trailing. They have trumpet-like flowers on top of a mound of foliage, and the stems have hairs on them, which distinguishes them from vinca.
Petunias can reach heights of 12-18” and will bloom from spring until frost.
What can you not plant with petunias?
Petunias need full sun and moist, well-drained soil, so the plants you should avoid planting with them should have different growing requirements. For example, you should not plant petunias with vegetables, because vegetables usually require moist, nutrient-rich soil and can be sensitive to the increased temperatures that petunias need.
Other plants that should not be planted with petunias include ferns and begonias, as the shade-loving begonias do not take well to the full sun that petunias need and ferns require a more humid environment than petunias.
When planting petunias, it is best to use a good-quality, well-draining potting mix and keep the soil moist but not soggy to prevent root rot.
Can you put vinca in hanging baskets?
Yes, vinca can be used in hanging baskets. Vinca, or Periwinkle, is a flowering annual that produces blooms in a range of colors throughout the summer. It’s a great choice for hanging baskets because its dense foliage creates a carpet of green and purple, or it can be mixed with other colorful plants like petunias or ivy.
Vinca prefers full sun, at least 6 hours a day, so be sure to place your hanging basket in a sunny spot. It can also handle some shade, although full sun will ensure more and bigger flowers. Vinca thrives in well-drained, average to rich soil – so it’s important to use a soil mix that contains lots of compost or peat moss when planting your hanging basket.
To keep your vinca blooming, deadhead (or pinch off) the flowers to promote more blooms. Finally, water your vinca regularly, making sure to not overwater it, as vinca is susceptible to root-rot. With proper care and sun, you’ll have a gorgeous hanging basket of vinca all summer long.
What flowers go well with vincas?
Vinca, also known as the Madagascar periwinkle, is an excellent choice for adding unique, cascading blues and whites to a flower garden. This annual is perfect for hanging baskets and containers as well as rock gardens.
It’s an extremely low-maintenance bloom that adds vibrant colors to any outdoor space.
Since vincas come in both blue and white colors, you have many options for choosing complimentary flowers for a garden display. To enhance the colors in your vinca display, plant yellow marigolds or orange daisies nearby.
Pastel colors such as pink dianthus or lavender cornflowers also look beautiful next to vinca flowers. Evening primrose, gaillardia, or petunia can all be used to bring in additional colors. Annual salvia, dusty miller, and snapdragons can create almost any color combination to truly make your vinca display stand out.
For leafy texture, plant parsley and sweet alyssum to help soften the garden’s look. Grass-like carex or sedges can add depth, especially in the shade. Incorporating a mix of colors and textures can create a beautiful display year-round for very little effort.
Do petunias come back every year?
The answer to this question is that it depends on the type of petunia and the climate. Annual petunias, such as multiflora petunias, will die at the end of the season and need to be replanted each year.
In cold climates, they may need to be brought indoors during the winter months. On the other hand, perennial petunias, like wave petunias, are more cold hardy and can survive over the winter in warm climates.
These plants will die back in the winter but will return in the spring with the right care. In the right conditions with sufficient warmth, petunias can be perennial.
Is calibrachoa a type of petunia?
No, calibrachoa is not a type of petunia. Calibrachoa, also known as million bells, is a type of flowering annual in the family Solanaceae, which includes the petunia. While petunias are characterized by oval-shaped flowers with five lobes, million bells feature small trumpet-shaped flowers with five lobes that are slightly recurved and resemble miniature petunia flowers.
Additionally, million bells prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil, compared to petunias which prefer partial shade and well-drained soil. Despite some similarities, calibrachoa and petunias are not the same flower.
How can you tell the difference between calibrachoa and petunia?
Calibrachoa and petunia are two popular garden flowers, but they have very different characteristics. Calibrachoa is a trailing annual, typically grown in hanging baskets or cascading window boxes. Its dainty, trumpet-shaped flowers are about an inch wide and come in shades of purple, pink, yellow, and white.
It also has interesting, small foliage. In contrast, petunia is an upright annual or perennial with bright and showy funnel-shaped flowers. Its flowers can be up to 3 inches wide and come in shades of pink, purple, white, and yellow.
Its foliage is also larger and more serrated in appearance. Additionally, petunias are popular for their exceptional fragrance, which calibrachoa lacks. In short, the difference between calibrachoa and petunia lies primarily in their flower and foliage size, shape, and aroma.
Are mini petunias the same as calibrachoa?
No, mini petunias and calibrachoa are two different plants. Mini petunias are a species of Petunia native to South America, while Calibrachoa is a genus of flowering plants in the Solanaceae family.
Mini petunias are annuals, while Calibrachoa are perennials. Mini petunias have large flowers with long pointed petals and come in shades of purple and white. Calibrachoa have small bright flowers with curved petals and come in a variety of colors from blues, reds to yellows and pinks.
mini petunias grow 6 to 12 inches tall and spread up to 18 inches across. Calibrachoa reach about 12 inches tall, with a spread of 24 inches. Mini petunias tolerate full sun to partial shade, while Calibrachoa need to be in full sun to flower properly.
When it comes to caring for and growing these two plants, Mini petunias require frequent watering and trimming to keep them looking fresh. Calibrachoa, on the other hand, need moderate watering and occasional fertilizing.
So although Mini petunias and Calibrachoa are both flowering plants, they are two distinct varieties that require different care and growing habits.
What is another name for Calibrachoa?
Calibrachoa is a genus of plants belonging to the family Solanaceae. It is sometimes referred to as the “million bells” or “trailing petunia” due to its shape and profusion of flowers. The flowers of this plant come in a variety of colors including pink, white, red, purple and yellow.
Calibrachoa has its origins in South America and is widely cultivated in other parts of the world. It is a popular plant for use in hanging baskets and other containers as it will trail over the sides of the pot.
Calibrachoa is easy to care for, requiring regular watering and some fertilization. It is an ideal choice for a flowering accent for any garden or container garden.
What is the family of petunia?
The petunia (scientific name Petunia sp. ) is a member of the family Solanaceae, also known as the nightshade family. This large family consists of over 2,000 species and includes some of the most cultivated vegetables in the world, such as tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers.
The flowers of petunias are usually trumpet-shaped and have five fused petals. Flowers range in color from white to purple, pink, and yellow. They can also be bi-colored or even spotted with darker blotches.
Petunias are grown as annuals, meaning they will last only one growing season, and are native to South America and the Andean region of the continent. They are a popular choice among gardeners, as they add color and beauty to outdoor spaces and can be grown in containers as well as directly into the ground.
Does calibrachoa like sun or shade?
Calibrachoa, also known as million bells, is a popular trailing flower that loves the sun. It will typically do best in full to part sun, meaning an area that receives at least four or five hours of direct sunlight every day.
They are known to be some of the sunniest of heirloom flowers. However, they can tolerate some shade, so they will still thrive if they only receive two or three hours of sun each day. They are fairly low maintenance plants, making them ideal for busy gardeners, but they do prefer at least two inches of water per week.
If you are growing them in partial shade, you may need to water more often. Calibrachoa plants are also fairly resistant to most diseases and pests, making them a great choice for gardeners in all areas.
How long do Calibrachoa last?
Calibrachoa, also known as Million Bells, is an annual flowering plant that can last up to one full growing season, from late spring until early fall. Depending on the climate where it’s planted and the care it’s given, it can flower continuously during this time frame, with flowers lasting for up to six weeks.
The plant is known for its vibrant colors and long-lasting blooms, so with proper care, Calibrachoa will bring beauty to gardens and landscapes all season long. When grown in a container, Calibrachoa can be taken indoors to enjoy the blooms and foliage indoors over the winter months.
Should Calibrachoa be cut back?
Yes, calibrachoa should be cut back in order to promote healthy growth and abundant blooming. Pruning the plant back can help to control the side shoots and shape the plant so that it is well-maintained.
Be sure to use sharp, clean tools in order to prevent any damage or infection to the plants. Cut back the plant to encourage regrowth, to improve overall size and shape, to thin out areas that are getting too crowded, to deadhead spent blooms and to keep the plant looking healthy and attractive.
It is best to prune calibrachoa back in the spring or fall when the weather is less extreme so that the plant can reshoot and regrow easily. Remember to prune and shape the plant using a 45 degree angle cut to promote regrowth.
Can Calibrachoa survive winter?
Calibrachoa, also known as “Million Bells” because of their masses of blooms, are annuals, meaning that they will not survive the winter in cooler climates. In climates with mild winters, such as USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11, they may survive if conditions are right.
In these regions where temperatures rarely drop below freezing, Calibrachoa may be able to survive the winter if the temperature is above 20°F and they are planted in the ground or in a sheltered location.
If they are in a container, they must be taken indoors before freezing temperatures arrive.
Overall, Calibrachoa will not survive the winter in cooler regions and must be treated as an annual, replanted each year as temperatures rise or be brought indoors in containers. If temperatures drop below 20°F, they will not survive even in regions with mild winter climates.
How do you keep a Calibrachoa blooming?
Keeping Calibrachoa blooms colorful and manageable throughout the growing season requires consistent care. Deadheading spent flowers and keeping the plants standing upright will help. To keep Calibrachoa blooming, ensure it has the correct light and temperature conditions, provide fertilizer regularly, and water properly to avoid over- or under-watering.
When providing light, ensure that the plants receive at least 5 to 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily. Temperature should be kept between 60-75 degrees Fahrenheit. Feed the plants a quality, water-soluble fertilizer at half-strength each week during the peak of growth season.
Avoid over-fertilizing and wash off any fertilizer residue periodically.
Proper watering is essential to keeping Calibrachoa blooming. Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Adjust the amount according to conditions and look for signs of over- or under-watering. Under-watering may show as wilted foliage and yellowing leaves; over-watering causes root rot and wilted stems.
Outer foliage and blossoms will also become limp and discolored. Calibrachoa also require periodic trimming to remove dead flower stems and prevent plants from becoming leggy and overgrown.
Why did my Calibrachoa stopped blooming?
Calibrachoa, or million bells plants, typically bloom in spring and summer when the plant is warm and has enough natural or artificial light. If your Calibrachoa stopped blooming, there may be a few reasons why.
Too little light, too much water, not enough nutrients, and not pruning spent flowers could all be contributing factors.
To ensure your Calibrachoa is getting enough light, place it in a south or west facing window. This will get it enough sun for at least 4 hours a day. Too much water can easily drown roots, as these plants prefer dryer soil.
Water only when needed, as opposed to on a strict schedule. The soil should be kept slightly moist, but not too wet.
Calibrachoas need to be fertilized to ensure they have enough nutrients available to them. You should fertilize once or twice a month during the growing season. Finally, be sure to deadhead or prune off the dead flowers to encourage new growth and blooming.
By following these guidelines you should be able to get your Calibrachoa blooming again.
