Surfinia Trailing Violet (Petunia x atkinsiana)

Scientific Classification

Class

Dicotyledoneae

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Solanaceae

Order

Solanales

Genus

Petunia

Species

x hybrida

Key information

Description

An ornamental herbaceous plant with vigorous growth and a globular or semi-trailing habit, depending on the variety. The elegant, colourful flowers bloom from spring until early or mid-autumn, providing an attractive focal point that adds a unique splash of colour to terraces, balconies or windowsills when planted in hanging baskets, planters or pots, and also when combined with other ornamental plants.

Varietal description

Surfinia was the first petunia to be propagated vegetatively (from cuttings), completely revolutionising the cultivation of petunias for the better. It is the variety with the most vigorous and trailing growth habit, whether grown in a greenhouse or on a balcony. It has large flowers and a trailing foliage length that can exceed 80 cm on a balcony. When grown, 4–5 weeks after transplanting, it adapts very well to low temperatures, even those close to zero degrees, growing more compact and robust, albeit with a slightly longer growing cycle. This variety requires ample fertiliser – generally more than other seasonal flowering plants – to ensure sustained growth and dark green foliage.

Origin and History

curiosity and special features

The name ‘Petunia’ derives from ‘petum’, the Brazilian name for tobacco, which belongs to the same botanical family as the petunia, whilst ‘hybrida’ refers to the hybrid origin of many cultivars.

Origin and Diffusion

Belonging to the botanical family Solanaceae, which comprises over 100 genera of plant species, some of which are of significant importance both as food or commercial crops – such as the potato, tomato, aubergines, chillies and tobacco, and as ornamental plants such asNicotiana affinisandCalibrachoa.

It was developed through cross-breeding between wild species belonging to the genus Petunia, including P. axillaris and P. integrifolia, which are native to South America, particularly Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, which were imported to Europe in the 19th century, where they underwent a careful programme of hybridisation beginning in the second half of the last century. This has now led to a wide selection of hardy, early-flowering varieties, which differ from one another in terms of growth habit, size and colour of the flowers.

Main features

Leaf

Leaf has a lanceolate lamina.

Leaf color

A solid colour that is in perfect chromatic harmony with the colour of the flowers.

Plant height

The plant’s height ranges from 0.2 to 0.7 m.

Lifespan

Plant mainly cultivated as an annual in relation to the climatic conditions present.

Suggested planting locations

Like the geranium, it is one of the most popular plants for balconies, terraces, outdoor planters, small pots, hanging baskets, large pots and window boxes. It is also ideal for combining with other ornamental species to create colourful and harmonious displays.

Stem/stem

It has a herbaceous stem and the plant has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, large form with a bell-shaped corolla and plain petals. It is arranged in medium-sized inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to mid-autumn, with a flowering period of 160 to 190 days. It has sweet notes and is lightly scented, with a delicate aroma. It is attractive to bees and bumblebees.

Growth

A vigorous variety, ideal for creating uniform arrangements in pots and planters.

Plant habit

It develops acascading growth habit, ideal for achieving full, dense and visually balanced results.

branching

The plant has a moderate, vigorous branching pattern, giving it a well-bushy appearance, rich in leaves and flowers.

Conditions required

pH

Requires a pH of the medium or Soil/medium between a minimum of 5.3 and a maximum of 6.0; for petunia the pH should not be higher than 6.0 so as not to impair the development of the entire plant.

soil preparation

For varieties that can also be grown in flowerbeds, before transplanting in spring, dig the soil to a depth of 20–30 cm, removing any weeds, residues from previous crops and large stones. Next, work in some slow-release organic or chemical fertiliser and break up any large clods of earth to ensure the fertiliser is distributed more evenly. Finally, add a layer of specialist potting compost for flowering plants to the surface, about 5–10 cm deep, and level it carefully.

sun exposure

Suitable for partial shade, dappled shade and full sun; light levels play a key role, as with adequate light the plant will produce abundant flowers provided it receives water in proportion to its needs, particularly during the summer months.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 16 and 22 °C. The biological temperature range is between 4 and 32 °C.

Use

Popular and widely used in

Outdoor ornamental settings

Hardiness

It is highly hardy and adapts to climatic conditions that other ornamental species do not always tolerate.

Soil/medium

Use a high-quality growing medium specifically designed for spring-flowering ornamental plants, made from peat and perlite, which is light and well-draining.

If planting in a flowerbed, the soil should be of medium texture and enriched.

Maintenance

It is easyto grow, but requires a moderate level of management effort overall.

cultivation tips

To ensure proper growth and abundant flowering, the following aspects and growing conditions must be taken into account:
Plants will not flower in low light It requires regular, generous fertilisation

Composition

You can create arrangements featuring elegant and vibrant colour schemes by combining ornamental plants of varying heights and with different shades of flowers and foliage, such as Euphorbia hypericifolia, Calibrachoa, Helichrysum petiolare, Lobelia erinus, Lobularia x hybrida, Pelargonium peltatum, Plectranthus coleoides, Verbena x hybrida, or by combining different varieties belonging to the same species.

Cures and Adversities

Irrigation

Use rainwater, or alternatively tap water, either manually or via an irrigation system, taking care to allow the growing medium or soil to dry out slightly between waterings whilst maintaining a constant, moderate level of moisture, avoiding both periods of dryness and waterlogging. It is advisable to always check the potting compost before watering; furthermore, do not water the above-ground parts of the plant in the late afternoon or evening to prevent the spread of plant diseases.

Fertilization

Nutritionally demanding, it requires during the spring/summer period regular and frequent application of a universal flowering plant fertiliser to the medium or soil to be distributed liquid, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water.

Start fertilising after adequate settling in the new planting site.

Video

https://youtu.be/dXpAueIWCQk

Edibility and Toxicity

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Expert's advice

advise 1

To maintain the dark green foliage of the Surfinia Trailing Violet, it is recommended to apply EDDHA iron fertiliser once a month via the potting compost when watering, in addition, of course, to the usual weekly fertiliser applications at a rate of 2–3 grams per litre, preferably using a 15.5 formulation.25.