Petunia Splash Dance Bolero Blue

Petunia Splash Dance 'Bolero Blue' is a variety with speckled flowers that retains its pattern even in hot weather. It has large, single funnel-shaped flowers in a deep violet-blue, speckled with white, like a night sky. Unlike other speckled varieties, its colour does not vary with temperature. It is an early, semi-trailing variety that is perfect for ornamental containers and hanging baskets to bring life to the terrace or balcony from May-June to October.

Petunias belong to the solanaceae family; they are closely related to ornamental tobacco and their foliage also contains alkaloids. These plants can be annuals, biennials, or perennials, but they are usually grown as annuals and are all native to the warm regions of South America.

The 'Bolero Blue' Petunia is part of a new series of hybrids with unique speckled patterns that are not temperature-dependent. It forms a dense, semi-trailing clump, with long hairy stems that reach heights of 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12in) and spread 50-60 cm (20-24in) wide. The plant flowers from May-June to October, provided it is regularly watered and fed. Its large, cup-shaped flowers are about 7-8 cm (3in) in diameter. Each flower is unique, with varying degrees of white speckling on a violet-blue background with a very dark throat. The flowers open against vigorous and healthy, dense, dark green foliage. The hairy leaves are ovate and pointed, with an entire margin. This variety requires very little maintenance: simply remove faded flowers regularly.

Plant the 'Bolero Blue' Petunia in large pots or hanging baskets, alone or accompanied by harmonious varieties such as 'Blue Picotee' or 'Black Ray' with black flowers, for an intense duo. For contrast, choose a variety with white flowers like 'Snow Blanc' or 'Heavenly Blue'. When planted en masse, several plants will form a ground cover at the base of pastel-coloured flowering plants such as annual poppies. No other annual flowering plant has received such intense selection from breeders for such a long period. The results are impressive, as petunias rival geraniums in splendour and length of flowering.

Supplied as growing plants measuring 4 to 8 cm (2 to 3in) in trays of 5 small plug plants measuring 2.8 cm (1in) in diameter and 4 cm (2in) high, labelled separately. Our plants are at least eight weeks old and strong enough to be planted in the ground.

Note: Attention, our plug plants are products reserved for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them in sheltered areas (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before being planted outdoors once all risk of frost has passed.