Common name: Petunia, Garden Petunia

Botanical name: Petunia hybrida - [ (peh-TEWN-yuh) or (peh-TOO-nee-uh) from Native American word for tobacco; (hy-BRID-uh) latinized form of hybrid, a cross between two plants resulting in a plant that differs in one or more genes from the parent plants ] Family: Solanaceae (solanum, nightshade, or potato family) - [ (so-lan-AY-see-ay) the Solanum family (the name referrs to the narcotic properties of some species) ]

Origin: Mexico, South America

Petunias are one of the best summer flowering annuals for massed display, and they also look good in pots and hanging baskets. The color range is huge, with varieties available in every color except orange. You can expect blooms throughout the summer and into autumn if faded flowers are removed regularly. Plants quickly grow to a height of 10-16 inches.

The basic petunia flower is funnel shape, but hybridizers have created many variations including singles and doubles with petals that have wavy or fringed margins. Many patterns are available in stripes, speckles and borders in an extensive color palette that includes purple, mauve, lavender, pink, red, white and yellow. Leaves and stems are sticky to the touch and have a distinctive odor.

Courtesy: - Flowers of India - Dave's Garden Botanary