Overview
Wave® petunias encompass five series of petunias developed and introduced by Ball Horticultural Company of Chicago, IL in the mid-1990s. Each of the five Wave® series solves specific garden and landscape color and design needs.
Care Requirements
All Wave® Series petunias grow best in at least six hours of direct full sunlight. They bloom almost maintenance-free all season with no need to deadhead or cut back. These petunias tolerate a variety of soil conditions, but do require weekly dousing with all-purpose fertilizer or less frequently with a slow-release fertilizer. Follow package directions.
Wave® Petunia Series
1. Original Wave® Series
- The original Wave® 'Purple' was introduced in 1995.
- The series now contains six colors – almost one for every design scheme. Three of these colors – 'Blue,' 'Lavender,' and 'Purple'- were such strong landscape additions that they were named as All America Selection Winners.
- Best for garden edges, overhanging bed edges and neat flowering ground covers.
- Height 4-6 inches, spread 3-4 feet.
2. Shock Wave™ Series
- These petunias are the newest members of the Wave® family. They debut in this season – 2008.
- The series includes five colors and two designer mixes - Buzz Mixture ('Ivory,' 'Rose,' and 'Pink' shades) and Electric Mixture ('Purple' and 'Pink Vein').
- Flowers are small and sprightly in dynamic colors. The plants rebound from rain and overhead watering faster than most other petunias.
- Best for small baskets, containers mixed with sun-loving annuals, flowerbeds, and small to tiny spaces.
- Height 7-10 inches, spread 2.5-3 feet.
3. Easy Wave® Series
- Easy to grow and speedy to flower.
- This Series includes nine colors and five mixes including two with patriotic associations - O Canada! Mixture ('Red' and 'White') and The Flag Mixture ('Red,' 'White,' and 'Blue').
- Best for beds, baskets, and containers.
- Height 6-12 inches, spread 2.5-3 feet.
4. Tidal Wave® Series
- Tallest plants in the Wave® family. They need room to grow.
- Height 16-22 inches, spread 2.5 – 4 feet.
- Best for huge baskets or containers and large beds where they form dense, mounded hedges.
- This series includes four colors - 'Cherry,' 'Hot Pink,' 'Purple,' and 'Silver,' an All America Selection Winner.
5. Double Wave® Series
- These plants produce double, frilly-appearing flowers on vigorous, trailing plants.
- Series includes eight romantic-looking colors.
- Best for hanging baskets, patio planters, and mixed container-plantings.
- Height 4 to 6 inches, spread 18 to 24 inches.
More Information
- Wave® Petunias Design Solutions: Wave® Petunias provide inexpensive and eye-catching design solutions. Develop and complete a project in one weekend using these planting tips.
- Wave® Petunia Landscape Designs: Wave® petunias solve many garden landscape color and design problems. Plant them in containers or garden plots, alone or with other ornamental plants. Photos included.
- Construct a Wave® Petunia Tree: Trees of hardware and steel pipe show off Wave® petunias and other annuals like ivy-leaf geraniums. These handyman garden projects generate creative landscape displays.
- The Wave® Fan Club: Keep up-to-date with the latest information about all five series in the Wave® family at an online community of Wave enthusiasts. There is also a “retailer locator” at this site to find out where to buy Wave® petunias.
©Text by Georgene A. Bramlage. 2008. Photographs courtesy of Ball Horticultural Company. Reproduction without permission prohibited.
Georgene A. Bramlage - Suite 101 Landscaping Feature Writer and Topic Editor Free-lance Garden and Landscape Writer and Consultant
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