Pictures of Petunias in Containers: A Complete Guide

Petunias are one of the most beloved annual flowers for planting in containers. Their colorful blooms cascade beautifully over the edges of pots and hanging baskets, creating stunning displays from spring to frost.

If you’re looking for inspiration on how to use petunias in container gardens, you’ve come to the right place! Below we’ll explore some tips, tricks, and design ideas for growing gorgeous petunias in pots of all sizes.

Choosing the Best Petunias for Containers

Petunias come in a wide array of colors from bold purples and pinks to softer pastels. There are also single flowered varieties as well as ruffled and double flowered cultivars.

Some of the best petunias for containers include:

• Wave petunias – These trailing varieties cascade up to 4 feet from hanging baskets, Popular colors include ‘Wave Purple Classic’ and ‘Wave Pink’

• Supertunia petunias – These vigorous plants bloom prolifically all season long and don’t require deadheading ‘Supertunia Vista Bubblegum’ has bright pink blooms

• Surfinia petunias – With dainty flowers on trailing stems, these make lovely spillers in combination planters. ‘Surfinia Baby Purple’ is a compact option.

• Milliflora petunias – The small flowers of these dwarf varieties are perfect for edging mixed containers. ‘Picobella Blue’ has tiny violet-blue blooms.

Caring for Petunias in Container Gardens

Caring for petunias in containers is similar to caring for them in garden beds. To keep them looking their best:

• Water frequently, especially in hot weather. Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.

• Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer.

• Prune back leggy growth by 1/3 throughout summer.

• Deadhead spent blooms of varieties other than Supertunias.

• Move containers to a sunny, protected spot in winter in cold climates.

Eye-Catching Petunia Container Designs

There are endless possibilities when it comes to planting petunias in pots! Here are a few fun combinations:

• For a patriotic display, combine red, white and blue petunias with trailing dichondra silver falls.

• Mix colors and textures by pairing ‘Supertunia Bordeaux’ with yellow lantern-shaped bidens and silver dusty miller.

• For an edible container, surround cherry tomatoes with mounding ‘Wave Purple’ petunias.

• Create a serene look with trailing ‘Surfinia White’ and upright lavender perennial geraniums.

• Combine pink Supertunias, calibrachoa and verbena in a large urn. Underplant with purple fountain grass.

Tips for Petunia Container Gardening Success

When planting petunias in containers, choose a potting mix formulated for containers as it will provide good drainage. Use a container with drainage holes and place a saucer underneath to catch excess water.

Group your pots together for maximum visual impact. Petunias also look great on front steps and blank walls.

With proper care, your petunias will bloom nonstop and add gorgeous color to your garden from spring until fall frost. Following these tips will help you grow thriving, cascading petunia flowers in any size container.

Frequently Asked Questions About Petunias in Containers

How can I keep my potted petunias looking full and flowering?

Petunias thrive in full sun and generally require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to produce their best blooms. Avoid too much shade, which can cause them to become leggy and fail to flower well.

What plants go well with petunias in container gardens?

Some great companion plants for petunias in containers include ornamental grasses, verbena, sweet potato vine, and other sun-loving annuals with similar moisture needs. These help dress up decks, patios, and porches instantly.

How are petunias different from impatiens?

Petunias need at least 5-6 hours of sunlight daily and perform best in full sun all day. Impatiens bloom better in the shade.

How often should I water potted petunias?

Expect to water potted petunias every few days since containers dry out quickly. Check the soil and water when the top 1-2 inches become dry. Good drainage is key but don’t let them dry out completely.

Can petunias grow well in containers?

Absolutely! Petunias are extremely popular annual flowers for containers. They cascade beautifully over the edges of pots and hanging baskets, providing stunning color from spring to frost. With proper care, petunias thrive in containers of all sizes.

So there you have it – everything you need to know to grow picture-perfect petunias in pots! With the right variety, care, and design, you can have gorgeous containers brimming with petunias all season long.