Beautical Purple Dawn

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Solanaceae

Order

Solanales

Genus

x Petchoa

Species

Petunia sp. x Calibrachoa sp.

Description

An ornamental annual herbaceous plant with a drooping habit and medium vigorous growth, obtained by intergeneric crossing between Petunia and Calibrachoa; the hybridisation has made it possible to combine the desirable qualities of both genera such as luxuriant flowering, weather resistance, large, showy flowers in bright, vivid colours, abundant branching and low maintenance when removing withered flowers. Suitable for adorning flower beds, planters, tubs and hanging baskets where its umbrella-like inflorescences will provide an accent of colour from spring until early autumn.

Species video

https://youtu.be/tbKjvKyq1Wk

Variety description

Very attractive plant for balconies and flower beds wide range of colours. Very sun-resistant. It ischaracterised by a medium-sized flower that stands out due to the intensity of its colours.

Curiosities and special features

The vigorous growth and high level of branching allows for dense coverage in the flowerbed, helping to limit the growth of weeds underneath.

Origin and distribution

The hybrid x Petchoa was obtained by intergeneric crossing, specifically between the genus Petunia, native to South America, and the genus Calibrachoa, native to South and Central America.

Flower size

The flower individually is average in size compared to other varieties.

Leaf

Leaf has an oval lamina.

Flowering period

The abundant and scenic flowering lasts from mid-spring to the end of summer for a duration of 120 to 160 days, allowing us to enjoy its flowers with their bright, vivid colours for a long time, even in composition with other scalar blooms.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence umbrella.

Leaf colour

Solid colour.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies between 0.5 and 0.7 m depending on the habit of the variety.

Lifespan

Seasonal plant.

Where to plant

Its lush blooms and heat resistance make it suitable for adding high ornamental value to flowerbeds, hanging baskets, planters, outdoor tubs, tubs

Stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower has a simple, medium-sized form with a funnel-shaped corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in medium-sized umbel inflorescences. It flowers from mid-spring to late summer, with a flowering period of between 120 and 160 days. It is not particularly attractive to pollinating insects.

Growth

A medium to vigorous-growing variety, ideal for dense, homogenous and colourful overall results.

Plant habit

The drooping habit gives an added value appreciated for adorning balconies and windowsills.

Branching

The abundant branching gives the plant a well-tended appearance, rich in leaves and flowers.

PH

The ideal pH of the soil or substrate tends to be acidic, between 5.5 and 6.00. A pH value of no more than 7.00 is recommended to avoid yellowing of the vegetative apices.

Soil preparation

For the mid-spring transplanting in the flower bed, carry out superficial digging removing any weeds and bulky stones. It is advisable to add professional quality substrate on the surface to an average height of 5/10 cm and carefully level out by preparing the planting holes to a suitable density.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Sun exposure

Exposure in half shade, full sun are the ideal conditions for adequate growth and lush flowering.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 15 and 25 °C. The biological temperature is between 8 and 30 °C; suitable for warm temperate climates.

Use

Appreciated by landscapers and amateurs at all levels of experience as a plant for use in

Ornamental outdoor use

Hardiness

A moderately hardy plant, if we follow a few cultivation measures regarding fertilisation and irrigation, we will obtain excellent results with a high ornamental value.

Soil

It prefers peaty soil with good drainage and adequate porosity; in pots and planters use a substrate for spring plants based on peat and perlite.

Difficulty

Easy to cultivate and maintain, the level of management effort is medium overall.

Growing tips

For best growth and flowering performance, it is recommended to

Avoid over-watering

Combinations with other plants

Harmonious overall effects canbe created in a flower bed or planter with other ornamentals such as Bidens ferulifolium, Calibrachoa Calipetite, Lobelia speciosa. Combinations can include shades of the same colour tone but also combinations of different colours according to carefully composed, uniform and restful patterns, defined on the basis of a number of factors such as personal taste, season and duration of flowering as well as the final height reached by each individual species.

Planting

For planting in beds, an average density of 15 plants per square metre is recommended to ensure proper development of each specimen and thus obtain a proportionate and compact final composition. It is also suggested to place each seedling with the collar outside the soil surface without sinking the lump completely and watering immediately after transplanting, preferably during the morning hours.

Propagation

Multiplication is by apical cuttings.

Watering

Use rainwater, or alternatively aqueduct water with an optimal sub-acid pH, either manually or by drip irrigation or sub-irrigation. Take care to keep the soil or substrate moist but free of waterlogging, which can cause root asphyxia or the development of fungal diseases with subsequent root rot and plant decay. Avoid dry spells that lead to yellowing, and do not water the aerial part of the plant during the late afternoon or evening to prevent the spread of plant diseases.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Fertilising

During the spring-summer period, following proper post-transplant settling, regularly apply a balanced fertiliser suitable for ornamental species to the soil or substrate at the foot of the plant, to be distributed in liquid form, i.e. diluted in the irrigation water, without exceeding the frequency and doses applied.

Read more on the Joyflo blog

Pet safety

Ingestion toxicity not known; consider specific case.

Edibility for humans

The flowers of some varieties are edible. Be careful if ingested as not all ornamental varieties are edible.

Toxicity for humans

Ingestion toxicity not known, consider variety before possible intake.

Tip

It is advisable to always fertilise with every watering in order to have a good, lush flowering until the end of summer. Poor fertilisation causes the plant to age and slow down flowering. Likes to be in full sun. Can be used in flowerbeds but does not like water stagnation.