Climbing Petunias are a unique flowering plant that will scale trellises or other climbing support systems. Petunias are some of the most popular flowering plants out there. With so many colors, textures, shapes, and sizes, that's no surprise. You can find this variety in colors of white, pink, and lavender.
They're one of the fastest-growing Petunia varieties, some reaching over 6 feet in length. These flowers have a soft aromatic scent that will bloom from early summer to early fall. Climbing Petunias are very weather-resistant, giving you maximum enjoyment.
We've given you a historical background on this variety as well as some growing tips, photo inspiration, and shopping links! Continue reading to learn more about Climbing Petunia.
Botanical Background of Climbing Petunia
Since the discovery of Petunias hundreds of years ago, these plants have been developed and perfected by a team of botanists. When they were first found, they weren't very impressive or desirable plants. However, the potential was seen in these plants. Though they may have started out as a weak variety, they have become stronger and more desirable.
Now, Petunias are one of the most sought after garden plants. Depending on their growing zone, they may either grow as annuals or perennials. They're a perfect option for brightening up your garden with little maintenance required. The Climbing Petunia is part of the Wave Petunia series, created in the mid-1990s. Botanists have been perfecting this variety, giving customers quite the Petunia experience.
The word "Petunia" is derived from the word "pety," meaning tobacco. Interestingly, the Petunia plant is part of the same plant family as tobacco. The Latin name for the Climbing Petunia variety is Petunia x hybrid.
Try these annuals that bloom all summer!
How to Grow Climbing Petunias
Where it Grows
Climbing Petunias will perform best if they're grown in pots or containers, but they can also be grown right in your garden beds. Wherever you decide to plant them, give them an adequate support system. If they don't have a trellis or any sort of vertical support, they won't be able to grow to their full potential.
You'll be amazed by their vertical growth and abundance of blooms. Get creative with the type of support system you give it to create more garden intrigue.
Size
This variety of Petunia can reach a height of 6 feet, once fully grown. Their climbing ability is what makes them so unique; it's unlike any other Petunia variety. Their stems are long and lax, making a strong support system necessary for their vertical success. If it's not trained to grow vertically, it will have a massive spread and work well as a ground cover plant.
Deadhead your flowers to promote future growth and for the continued health of the plant. Pinching the plant at the initiation of each growing season encourages branching and more abundant blooms in the future.
Optimal Growing Zones and Conditions
Climbing Petunias grow as tender perennials in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 through 11, and annuals in the other zones. They tend to prefer growing in warmer climates.
Ideally, its best to plant these Petunias where they'll have some protection from strong wind. Since this variety has a shallow root system, considering planting them in a region that won't receive pools of water.
Type of Soil
Rich, moist, well-draining soil is optimal for this type of Petunia's success and health. In order to reach its full potential, it will need the perfect blend of soil. If your soil is rather devoid of nutrients, consider adding in compost to help fill it with nutrients.
Light, Watering, and Fertilization Requirements
Climbing Petunias grow best in full sun, but they can also grow in partial shade. Luckily, these plants are rather weather-resistant, so they can handle a wide variety of conditions. Getting at least 6 hours of sun during their growing season will give them the healthiest, most abundant blooms.
Water this plant regularly. If planted in a container, you'll have to keep a more careful watch on making sure you give it an adequate supply of water. Though they're drought-tolerant, it's best to water them more during hot, dry spells if you can.
Fertilize your Petunias consistently to provide supplemental health support. Use a combination of liquid and slow-release fertilizer every 10 to 14 days. This will ensure the continued health of your Petunias.
Step by Step Growing Guide
- Decide if you're going to plant your Climbing Petunias in containers or in the garden
- Select a location that will receive about 6 hours of sunlight
- Plant your seedling or seeds in fertile, well-draining soil
- Water your plants and don't allow them to dry out between each watering
- Fertilize every 10 to 14 days with a slow-release fertilizer formula
- As your plant grows, train it to climb; you may have to tie some of its stems to its trellis system
- Enjoy the unique appearance and profuse blooms of your Climbing Petunia plant!
Inspirational Photos of Climbing Petunia
Searching for some ideas of how to incorporate Climbing Petunias into your garden? Look below to view some photos of this plant that may inspire you in your own garden. Gather some creative ideas of how you can use this plant at home.
An Abundance of Climbing Blooms
Enjoy the shower of blooms that are showcased by this plant. It grows similarly to ivy, but you'll get the added bonus of beautiful flowers, too.
Daily Growers
You'll see a difference in your Climbing Petunias every single day, as they grow rather quickly. If you have a bare area, placing these in that space will quickly fill it. Enjoy tracking their growth as you watch how they climb.
Towering Blooms
This Petunia looks magical in the way that it climbs. Its abundance of blooms creates an eye-catching display. Place your container up against your bare fence to add some beauty and intrigue.
Striking Container Displays
You'll be able to create stunning displays in your flower containers with your Climbing Petunias. They'll also work as spillers in the thriller, filler, spiller container combination.
Netting Trellis
If you want to use a low key trellis, try out mesh or metal netting. The plant will quickly take over and hide the netting from sight. Growing up a flexible material will also give your blooms a more fluid appearance in their growth.
Big Impact Plant
Make a big impact in your garden with Climbing Petunias. Their intriguing shape and pattern of growth will be the perfect addition to your garden space.
Trellis Growers
If you've always wanted to try out trellis gardening, using the Climbing Petunia is an excellent choice. You can use their growth as a protective, yet decorative privacy screen or simply as an ornamental feature in your garden.
Silver Mounds of Beauty
With the help of a trellis system, your Climbing Petunias can look absolutely stunning. Since this type of Petunia also grows in a mounded habit, you get a large number of blooms. Try planting this variety in multiple flower boxes to make the biggest impact.
Pack a Punch with a Thriller, Filler, Spiller Combo
We'll bet that you haven't seen a thriller, filler, spiller combination quite like this one. Using the trellis system with your Climbing Petunia will leave people with a "thriller" as they've never seen before. If you want to be bold and take up a lot of vertical space, this is a great option for you.
Fill that Empty Space
If you have an empty corner of your deck or garden, fill that empty space with a tower of Climbing Petunias. These blooms will quickly turn that empty space into something to admire and enjoy.
Trail those Blooms
Although your Climbing Petunias can be trained to climb trellises, you can also let them trail out of a container or along the ground. This makes this plant versatile with its use in the garden.
Petunia Flower Tower
Use a tomato cage to create a tumbling tower full of blooms. The plant will grow inside the cage and then tumble outside of it. The tomato cage offers the perfect amount of support for your Climbing Petunias.
Flowers with a View
If you have a balcony, the perfect way to enhance your view is with a container full of Climbing Petunias. Also, if you live in an apartment, and your only outdoor space is your balcony, what better way to fill that space than with this beautiful plant?
Make a Pattern
Enjoy the creative liberty you have with these climbing plants. Make patterns in your garden border by alternating trellises with your Climbing Petunia with allowing your Climbing Petunia to cover the ground.
Petunia Company
Use multiple varieties of Petunia in your garden. Since there are so many different colors, patterns, shapes, sizes, and textures within the Petunia family, you have a lot of options. Creatively incorporate the many different types to create a beautiful garden aesthetic.
Where to Purchase Climbing Petunia
After reading all about Climbing Petunia and seeing the plant gallery, you're probably wanting to know where you can get your own. We've attached a few links below so that you can plant your very own Climbing Petunia in your garden today. Check them out!
Climbing Petunia Flower Seeds, Assorted Colors
When you order this product, you'll receive a bag of over 300 seeds. With that amount of seeds, you'll have a lot of flexibility and options for how and where you want to plant your Petunias. The assorted mix of colors creates a stunning display.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
Climbing Petunia Flower Seeds, Purple
You'll receive over 300 seeds when you order this product. You'll enjoy the large, beautiful purple blooms.
Click here to see more on Amazon.
Climbing Petunia Flower Seeds, White
This order comes with 100 Climbing Petunia seeds. The white blooms make for a beautiful accent or prominent color, depending on the aesthetic you wish to create.
Thank you for the information. How many climbing petunias shpuld i place in a pot? I have many different sized pots. What spacing do you recommend to get a flowerfilled effect?