Black petunias: varieties and care

Almost all private houses or summer cottages have something in common - this is the presence of a flower garden. Today, both women and men are engaged in the cultivation of flowers, because flowers are not just plants, recently they have become an integral part of landscape design. In addition, do not forget that it is thanks to them that the atmosphere becomes more colorful, warm, pleasant and friendly.

The modern flower market is overflowing with various offerings. Despite the availability of new, incredible, exotic and tropical plants, most consumers still prefer the familiar colors. These include petunia, a plant of incredible beauty and all kinds of color schemes.

As for the colors, many are accustomed to red, white, or, for example, pink and blue varieties. But not everyone knows that it is possible to grow an incredibly beautiful black flower in your home - this opportunity is provided by petunia, among the varieties of which there is such an unusual specimen.

Petunia is a flower from the genus Solanaceae.... The plant is an annual or perennial, herbaceous or subshrub - it all depends on the species. Homeland - South America.

The root system of the plant is weakly branched, close to the rod type, shallow.

Petunia can be short, in this case, the stem height does not exceed 30 centimeters, as well as tall, when the stem height can be up to 70 centimeters.

Petunia, which is characterized by a completely black color, was not so long ago bred by British breeders, but very quickly spread throughout the world and became a real property of every garden bed and flower bed.

Let's take a look at the most popular and commonly found varieties of black petunias.

Very often this type of flower is also called "Phantom". For 4 long years, breeders have worked to bring out a real black flower. Unfortunately, at the moment there is no opportunity to buy the seeds of "Black Velvet", since it is propagated only by cuttings.

This variety is characterized by a strong stem that grows upward. The plant develops well and branches out, thereby forming a lush bush. Blooms very often and densely. The flower can be completely black, and there is one that has a black and yellow stripe.

This is another variety of black petunia. It is characterized by a rich cherry color, which is very close to black.

The plant is resistant to bad weather, after being hit by wind or rain it quickly regains its shape. He loves the sun very much and is not afraid of dryness. This flower variety can be planted from February to April.

This is a unique flower - dark-flowered petunia, which has a unique shade. The plant grows very quickly and is able to form a ball-shaped bush. Can be planted both in a flowerpot and in a flower bed.

Planting of this variety of petunias can be done in February and March. When the seeds begin to sprout, you need to monitor the soil so that it does not dry out.

This variety is considered a novelty among petunias, since it appeared relatively recently, in 2011. It looks like a fairly compact plant that grows quickly and gives good flowering. Propagated by both seeds and cuttings.

Another extremely beautiful and respectable variety of petunia. This flower is not susceptible to sunlight, does not fade. The shape of the bush is like a ball of fairly dense texture with flexible branches. Blooms frequently and profusely.

Separately, it should be said about the petunia "Black Eyes". This is an incredibly beautiful variety of petunia, but its name can be misleading. The fact is that the color of this large flower is not black at all. It can be white or pink, and the color of the veins and throat is burgundy-scarlet.

Black petunias, like many other species of this plant, do not require special care. If the petunia is large-leaved, then it needs more light and heat than small-leaved. Strong wind and rain can damage the flower, so avoid these situations. You can adhere to the following care recommendations.

1. How to water. Black petunia loves constant and abundant watering, but it also tolerates short-term drought well. But excessive dampness and coolness can destroy the plant. During hot and sunny weather, watering should be increased. Given the factor that the plant is rather fragile, water must be poured carefully so as not to damage the stems.
2. Top dressing. In order for the petunia not to need additional feeding, it must be planted in the soil that meets its requirements. You can use both mineral and organic additives as fertilizer, which can be purchased at a flower shop.
3. Disease and pest control. The most common diseases for this plant are late blight, black leg, chlorosis, rot. Of the pests, an attack of whitefly, thrips, aphids, spider mites is possible. To combat them, you must use special products that are sold in specialized stores.

How to properly care for petunias, see the video below.