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Large white petunia
Also known as: White moon petunia
Large white petunia (*Petunia axillaris*) is a flowering herbaceous annual plant of the tobacco family (Solanaceae), native to South America. Because of its hardiness and elegant trumpet-shaped white flowers, it is a familiar garden plant, but still less common in gardens than its descendant - the garden petunia. Garden petunia is a hybrid of Petunia axillaris and Petunia integrifolia.
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Annual, Perennial, Biennial
Lifespan
Herb
Plant Type
Mid spring, Late spring, Summer, Fall
Bloom Time
Early spring
Harvest Time
25 cm to 60 cm
Plant Height
25 cm
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
4 cm to 6 cm
Flower Size
White, Yellow, Pink, Purple, Red
Flower Color
Green
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Evergreen
Leaf type
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature

Distribution of Large white petunia

Distribution Map
Large white petunia is native to South America, growing wild in meadows and fields. While it has been cultivated in many disparate parts of the world as a garden ornamental, it is listed as invasive in several countries, including the United States.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
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Habitat
Highlands
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Flowering
Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use
The large white petunia is one of the most common flowers grown in pots and other containers. It loves to be crowded, so planting in bunches or mixed together with other annuals will help them grow splendidly. The large white petunia is prized for its waterfall of large, fast-growing flowers and ease of care, which is what makes it so great in containers, courtyard gardens and cottage gardens. Calibrachoa, sweet potato vine, and lobelia make great companions.
Symbolism
Innocence, truth, trust, resentment
Interesting Facts
The ancient South American civilizations of the Maya and the Inca ascribed supernatural powers to Petunia axillaris and other Petunia species. It was said that the Petunia scent had the power to repel unclean spirits from the underworld. The flowers were also picked to be used in rituals and create special drinks supposed to have magical properties.
Name Story
Large white petunia: Petunia axillaris can be regarded as the earliest ancestor of the petunia genus while the current hybrids basically developed from this particular species. The most amazing thing about this plant is that it has huge white flowers which is also why it is called the large white petunia.
White moon petunia: Many people choose to plant it along a courtyard wall. When the evening approaches, the moonlight shines on the white flowers highlighting its elegance and grace. What's magical about it is that its flowers emanate a sweet vanilla scent at night, adding a delicate atmosphere to the surroundings. Therefore, people decided to give it a tender name, the white moon petunia.
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Care Guide for Large white petunia

Twice per week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Large white petunia thrives in subtropical-like conditions with consistent moisture and high humidity. It prefers moist soil and should be watered twice a week. When grown outdoors, attention to watering is key for healthy flowering, preventing stress from drought or excess moisture.
Fertilize: For optimal growth and white blooms in large white petunia, apply high phosphorus fertilizers bi-weekly during the growing season, using a quarter strength solution. Reduce fertilization in dormancy and ensure soil moisture to prevent root burn, crucial for a thriving large white petunia.
Pruning: Large white petunia has attractive white flowers and thrives with proper care. Prune in early to late spring to remove old blooms and promote bushiness. Regular deadheading encourages flowering, while avoiding heavy cutting during growth prevents stress. Pruning improves bloom production and overall health.
Propagation: Large white petunia propagates best by sowing in Spring, with an easy-medium difficulty level. Successful growth is indicated by new foliage. Proper spacing is essential to avoid overcrowding.
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