Petunia Cascadias Rim Magenta

Petunia 'Cascadias Rim Magenta' is a new variety of Petunia. It is a true trailing plant that produces cascades of bicoloured, eye-catching, flared trumpet-shaped blooms, in purple-magenta, finely edged with white. The overall habit forms a dense and heavily trailing dome, flowering from June until the first frost. Its prolonged flowering, as well as its heat and drought resistance, make this easy-to-grow annual plant ideal for hanging baskets. It thrives in full sun or partial shade, in light, fertile soil that is not too dry.

Hybrid petunias are all derived from several plants native to the warm regions of South America. The discovery of trailing petunias happened by chance when a scientist noticed a particularly vigorous wild petunia covered in bright flowers on the edge of a field in 1989: Petunia inflata. Crossed with others, this species gave rise to trailing petunias, which were given the marketing name Surfinias. The 'Cascadias' series was developed in the 2000s. The Petunia 'Cascadias Rim Magenta' belongs to the solanaceae family, it is closely related to ornamental tobacco and its foliage also contains alkaloids. This vigorous plant quickly forms a beautiful trailing clump, reaching a minimum height of 35 to 40 cm (14 to 16in) and a diameter of 90 cm (35in) to 1.20 m (4ft), with a very trailing habit. It produces large velvety, slightly fragrant flowers along its densely hairy stems, from June to autumn, as long as faded flowers are regularly removed and it is regularly fed. Its countless flowers almost hide its somewhat hairy foliage, with entire elongated, greenish-grey leaves that have smooth edges.

No other annual flowering plant has undergone such extensive breeding work for over a century. The results are impressive and petunias rival geraniums in splendour and length of flowering, as demonstrated by this variety. Plant it in large pots or hanging baskets, above walls, wherever its flower-covered stems can cascade down. You can also plant them in borders, creating large patches to punctuate groups of plants with grey foliage, such as cerastium or artemisia, or cover the base of roses. 'Cascadias Rim Magenta' pairs well with 'Hot White' lobelias or white petunias, which perfectly enhance its bicoloured flowers. Drought and heat tolerant Cascadias Petunias appreciate sunny locations as well as partial shade.

Note: Please be aware that plug plants are products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them in a protected environment (conservatory, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before being placed outdoors once all risk of frost has passed.