Petunia integrifolia: The Wild Violet Petunia

The Prostrate Species Petunia

Petunia integrifolia (syn. P. violacea), known as Violet-flowered Petunia, Prostrate Petunia, or Wild Petunia, is the South American species that, along with P. axillaris, gave rise to all modern hybrid petunias. Its trailing habit and violet flowers retain a wild charm.

Botanical Details

Trailing Violet Simplicity

This tender perennial (grown as annual) forms a low, spreading mat 6-12 inches tall and 2-3 feet wide. The small, ovate leaves are slightly sticky. The flowers are 1.5-2 inches across, trumpet-shaped, in a clear violet-purple with a paler throat. They appear abundantly from late spring through fall, opening in the morning and closing by afternoon.

Wild Petunia thrives in full sun with well-draining soil. It's more heat and drought tolerant than modern hybrids. Deadheading encourages continuous bloom. Self-sows readily. Hardy in zones 9-11 as a perennial; universally grown as a summer annual.

Species Heritage & Uses

One of the two primary parents of modern petunia hybrids (the other being white-flowered P. axillaris). Use in rock gardens, border edges, hanging baskets, and containers where its trailing habit shines. The simple violet flowers have a purity that complex hybrids sometimes lack. Attracts hummingbirds and moths. A piece of horticultural history in your garden.