Fact Sheet

Introduction

NEW RELEASE in 2010

Soleil™ Purple Petunia is a great, drought-tolerant Petunia. It loves to be grown dry, is extremely consumer friendly, and is fantastic for the landscape as well - a real convenience plant for consumers.

The secret on how to grow Soleil™ Purple Petunia is simple. Grow it similarly to any other spreading Petunia until you reach about 50% of the desired sales size. Start to reduce watering for best flower show. Water only when plant starts to flag slightly, which will not only force it to bloom but help to control the vigorous growth as well. In the landscape, Soleil™ Purple will quickly cover ground without root development at the nodes, allowing for a quick removal of plants (important fact for landscapers). Little growth reduction was seen at 50% water, making it a great landscaping plant. It grows when watered and flowers when drought - stressed. It is a great plant for consumers as well, not only because it requires less water but even more importantly because it will recover after days without watering (short vacation, for example).

It has masses of vibrant purple blooms and a compact mounding growth habit. Soleil™ Purple Petunia makes a wonderful addition to any garden!

Key Features

Drought tolerant
Masses of semi double purple blooms from Spring through to Fall
Compact spreading / mounding habit

Suggested Uses

Great for home gardens, commercial landscapes and patio containers.

Growth Habit

Compact spreading / mounding habit

Flower Size

1 - 1.5 inches

Mature Height

10-12 inches

Mature Width

2-3 feet

Spacing

Plant every 2 feet or 3 per square yard.

Hardiness

Grows in USDA zones 9 & 10, but will need to be planted late Spring in zone 9 and early to mid Spring in zone 10.

Flowering Period

From Spring through to Fall.

Number Of Flowers

Masses of flowers covering the whole plant.

Flower Color

Purple flowers.

Fragrance

None.

Foliage

Small, slightly hairy, mid green healthy foliage.

Pruning/Pinching

None required

Temperature

Plant in a sunning position in late spring. thrives in hot sunny areas

Light Needs

Performs best in full sun, but will tolerate partial shade with reduced flowers resulting.

Soil Needs

Prefers free draining friable soils, but will grow in a range of soils from clay to sandy loam.

Water Needs

During establishment prefers some moisture, but once established only needs watering during very dry spells. Flowers more profusely when watered sparingly.

Fertilizer

Feed when planting in Spring with a slow release fertilizer and repeat in mid summer.

Disease Tolerance

Tough and hardy,we leave them totally untouched in our trial gardens.

Pest Issues

No issues have been reported

Special Care

None needed.

Varietal/Cultivar Name

PetPre01