Aloha Petunia

by D Hackett

Canvas Print

$47

Framed Print

$74

Art Print

$23

Poster

$23

Metal Print

$71

Acrylic Print

$79

Wood Print

$51

Tapestry

$63

Throw Pillow

$27

Fleece Blanket

$53

Duvet Cover

$117

Shower Curtain

$72

Bath Towel

$35

Ornament

$10

Jigsaw Puzzle

$38

Tote Bag

$35

Weekender Tote Bag

$44

Zip Pouch

$26

Portable Battery Charger

$47

Yoga Mat

$65

Greeting Card

$4.95

Spiral Notebook

$15

Sticker

$4.00

iPhone Case

$27

Beach Towel

$35

Round Beach Towel

$70

Weekender Tote Bag

$44

Coffee Mug

$14

Men's Clothing

$34

Women's Clothing

$34

Youth Clothing

$30

Toddler Clothing

$28

Baby Clothing

$32

Title

Aloha Petunia

Artist

D Hackett

Medium

Photograph - Digital

Description

Aloha Petunia by D Hackett

Petunia is genus of 35 species of flowering plants of South American origin, closely related to tobacco, cape gooseberries, tomatoes, deadly nightshades, potatoes and chili peppers; in the family Solanaceae. The popular flower of the same name derived its epithet from the French, which took the word petun, meaning "tobacco," from a Tupi Guarani language. An annual, most of the varieties seen in gardens are hybrids.

Origin
The origin of P. �hybrida is thought to be by hybridisation between P. axillaris (the large white or night-scented petunia) and P. integrifolia (the violet-flowered petunia). P. axillaris bears night-fragrant, buff-white blossoms with long, thin tubes and somewhat flattened openings. The species was first sent from South America to Paris in 1823. P. integrifolia has a somewhat weedy habit, spreading stems with upright tips, and small lavender to purple flowers. It was discovered in South America by the explorer James Tweedie, after whom the genus Tweedia is named, who sent specimens to the Glasgow Botanical Garden in 1831. Many open-pollinated species are also gaining popularity in the home garden.[3] A wide range of flower colours, sizes, and plant architectures are available in both the hybrid and open-pollinated species.

Classification

Some botanists place the plants of the genus Calibrachoa in the genus Petunia. Petchoa is a hybrid genus derived from crossing the genetically similar Calibrachoa and Petunia.

In botanical classification, tobacco, tomato, potato, and petunia are all in the family Solanaceae.

Petunias are generally insect pollinated, with the exception of P. exserta, which is a rare, red-flowered, hummingbird-pollinated species. Most petunias are diploid with 14 chromosomes and are interfertile with other petunia species.

The tubular flowers are favoured by some Lepidoptera species, including the Hummingbird hawk moth.[9] The flowers are eaten by the larvae of the corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea and the cabbage looper, Trichoplusia ni.

Cultivation
Petunia seeds germinate in 5 to 15 days. Petunias can tolerate relatively harsh conditions and hot climates. They need at least five hours of sunlight every day. They grow well in low humidity, moist soil. Young plants can be grown from seeds. Petunias should be watered once every two to five days. In drier regions, the plants should be watered daily. Dead petals should be pruned so that the younger branches can flourish. Maximum growth occurs in late spring. Applying fertilizers once a month will help the plant grow quickly. Petunias can be cultivated in hanging baskets.