Petunia Red Carpet Orchid Frost

Petunia Red Carpet Orchid Frost is part of an innovative family of hybrids, a series of cultivars characterised by their flowers marked with unique patterns, forming hearts around a 5-branched star on the petals' edges. In 'Red Carpet Orchid Frost', the single flowers display a variable 'batik' pattern, with white marbling splashed on a blue-violet background. The plant forms a slightly trailing clump that flowers until October in containers and hanging baskets. This easy-going annual will quickly make a big impression on the terrace or balcony.

Hybrid petunias are all derived from several plants native to the warm regions of South America. Petunia 'Red Carpet Orchid Frost' belongs to the Solanaceae family, closely related to ornamental tobacco, and its foliage also contains alkaloids. This variety quickly forms a dense, semi-trailing, naturally neat clump, reaching a height of 35 cm (14in) and a diameter of 35-45 cm (14-18in). The plant will bloom from May to October, provided it is well-watered and regularly fed. Its medium-sized, cup-shaped flowers are always bicoloured, with slightly variable patterns. They are tightly packed together on dense, vigorous and healthy vegetation. The quite hairy, dark green leaves have entire edges.

No other flowering annual plant has undergone such intense selection by breeders for such a long period. The results are impressive and petunias rival pelargoniums in the splendour and duration of their flowering, as demonstrated by this variety, 'Red Carpet Orchid Frost'. Plant it in large pots or hanging baskets for a stunning result. It creates a perfect contrast with the pink and white Designer Rose Star petunia, or a harmonious colour scheme with a Night Sky petunia. You can also plant it in borders of grey-foliaged plants such as cerastiums, sea cineraria, or artemisias. If you want it to stand out, plant several plug plants to create an original ground cover at the base of grey-foliaged plants like faasseni nepetas or annual poppies.

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