Lance Carson
Petunias are flowers in the Solanaceae family, related to tobacco and ornamental nicotine. While some people believe petunias to be scentless, others have reported that certain varieties do have a fragrance. These fragrant petunias include the Madness Plum Crazy petunia, the white and yellow grandiflora 'Prism Sunshine' petunia, and the Purple Wave petunia. Some sources also mention that the white and purple petunias have the strongest fragrance, which is similar to cloves. Interestingly, petunias seem to have different fragrances during the day and at night, with the former being warm and similar to daylilies, and the latter resembling cloves.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fragrance | Night and day |
| Flower colour | White, purple, pink, yellow, mauve |
| Flower type | Single, double |
| Scent | Sweet, floral, clove, warm, sinister |
| Other | Some petunias have no fragrance |
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What You'll Learn
The Purple Wave petunia has a strong scent
The Purple Wave petunia is part of the Solanaceae family, which includes tobacco and ornamental nicotine plants, both of which have long tube throats similar to the petunia. This physical similarity is also reflected in their shared scent. The Purple Wave petunia's fragrance is likely due to genetic manipulation, with scent genes from P. axillaris, an Argentinian species with large, highly scented, night-blooming white flowers, being prominent in the hybrid.
The strong scent of the Purple Wave petunia is particularly attractive to hummingbirds, which are drawn to the deep nectar repository that the long tube throat of the flower provides. For gardeners who want to encourage visits from these beautiful birds, the Purple Wave petunia is an excellent choice. Its fast-growing nature and free-blooming habit mean it is perfect for quickly covering a large area, creating a dazzling display of colour and fragrance throughout the summer months.
In addition to its visual and olfactory appeal, the Purple Wave petunia is also a low-maintenance plant. Thriving in full sun to partial shade, it prefers moderately fertile, humus-rich, moist, and well-drained soil. While it is a perennial in hardiness zone 11, it is often treated as an annual in cooler areas. Deadheading is recommended to remove dead flowers, and an occasional trim can help rejuvenate the plant if needed, though it does not require cutting back.
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White petunias have a clove-like fragrance
While many fragrant annuals are known for their scent during the day, some are particularly known for their night fragrance. Petunias are one such example, as they are fragrant both at night and during the day, with different scents for each. The purple petunias of the day have a warm fragrance, almost like daylilies, but with a sinister kick that resides in all solanaceous plants. At night, this fragrance is more like cloves.
White petunias, in particular, have a strong clove-like fragrance. They are the "freest with the clove fragrance", with all other petunias being a bit more floral. The clove-scent of white petunias is so pervasive that entire gardens and lawns in the evening are reminiscent of cloves wherever they are grown in abundance. White petunias are easily the most well-known and widely grown fragrant annual of the night, and their clove-scent pierces their surroundings, even on dark, cloudy days.
The scent genes from P. axillaris seem prominent in white (or white bi-colour) petunias. Scientists at the University of Amsterdam have isolated the volatile benzenoid chemicals that synthesize perfume in species petunia petals. It is known that white P. axillaris emits a strong scent after dusk to attract night-flying hawk moths. Violet P. integrifolia, on the other hand, produces a less intense daytime scent to attract pollinator bees in sunlight.
The white petunia Dreams White is an example of a fragrant white petunia. Additionally, the yellow and white grandiflora ‘Prism Sunshine’ petunia is deliciously scented at night.
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Petunias are fragrant at night and during the day
Petunias are fragrant flowers that can be easily grown as annuals. They require well-drained soil, full sun, and plenty of fertilizer. Interestingly, petunias are one of the few flowers that are fragrant at night as well as during the day, with some varieties being more perfumed than others. The night fragrance of petunias, particularly the white petunias, is often compared to cloves, while the purple petunias of the day have a warm fragrance reminiscent of daylilies.
The scent of petunias is said to be quite pervasive, filling entire gardens and lawns with their clove-like aroma in the evenings. This fragrance is produced by volatile benzenoid chemicals synthesized in the petals of the flowers. The strength of the scent may also be influenced by certain climate conditions, such as high humidity and cool air temperatures.
While petunias are known for their vibrant colors and heavy flowering, some of the modern hybridized varieties have lost their scent. However, certain old-fashioned fragrant petunias are still available, mainly through online sources or specialty nurseries. These scented petunias are often sought after by gardeners who value the addition of fragrance to their gardens.
Among the scented petunias, the 'Madness Plum Crazy' cultivar is known for its delightful scent, and other petunias with mauve petals and purple veining may also exhibit a similar perfume. The 'Prism Sunshine' petunia, with its yellow and white grandiflora blooms, is another variety that is deliciously scented at night. Additionally, several double petunias, particularly those with mauve-purple petals, are known to be fragrant.
The scent of petunias can evoke nostalgic memories, transporting people back to their youth and happy times spent in gardens surrounded by these fragrant blooms. For gardeners, the allure of petunias lies not only in their vibrant colors but also in the delightful fragrances they bring to their outdoor spaces, both during the day and under the starry night sky.
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Scented petunias are related to tobacco and ornamental nicotine
Petunias (Petunia x hybrida) are indeed related to tobacco and ornamental nicotine. They are part of the Solanaceae family, which also includes tobacco (subfamily Nicotianoideae) and the cape gooseberry, tomato, potato, deadly nightshade, and chili pepper (subfamily Solanoideae).
While not all petunias are scented, some certainly are, and the fragrance is not just a pleasant feature for gardeners. The Maya and Inca civilizations believed that the scent of petunias could ward off underworld monsters and spirits, and their flower buds were used in magical drinks.
The fragrance of petunias is produced by volatile benzenoid chemicals in the petals, as discovered by scientists at the University of Amsterdam. The scent is often released at particular times, such as the morning or evening, and in certain climate conditions like high humidity and cool temperatures. The Purple Wave petunia, for example, has a noticeable scent, and some double petunias (especially mauve-purple cultivars) are also perfumed. The Argentinian species seem to have scent genes, as seen in white (or white bi-colour), veined mauve single and double purple flowers.
Nicotiana, or ornamental nicotine, is a genus of herbaceous plants and shrubs in the Solanaceae family, just like petunias. Various Nicotiana species are cultivated as ornamental garden plants, and they are often referred to as flowering tobacco or night-scented tobacco. They are popular vespertines, or evening bloomers, with sweet-smelling flowers that open at night to attract hawkmoths and other pollinators. N. sylvestris, N. alata 'Lime Green', and N. langsdorffii are examples of Nicotiana species grown as ornamental plants.
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The 'Prism Sunshine' petunia is scented at night
The Prism Sunshine petunia is a fragrant flower, emitting its scent at night. This variety of petunia is a beautiful addition to any garden, with its bright yellow and white petals. The Prism Sunshine is a type of grandiflora petunia, known for their large, showy blooms, and this particular cultivar does not disappoint. The flowers are huge, measuring 3 to 3.5 inches wide, with funnel-shaped blooms that sit atop compact, uniform plants. The plants grow to a height of around 10 to 12 inches, with a mature spread of 12 to 18 inches.
The Prism Sunshine petunia is not only visually appealing but also delights the senses with its delightful fragrance. The scent is released from the long tube throats of the flowers, attracting hummingbirds and night-flying hawk moths in search of nectar. This makes it a wonderful choice for gardeners who want to entice these beautiful creatures into their outdoor spaces.
The Prism Sunshine petunia is a spring plant, preferring full sun to partial shade, especially in hot climates. It is an annual plant, blooming heavily throughout the season, and is a well-deserved winner of the All-America Selections award. To grow your own Prism Sunshine petunias, sow the seeds in cell packs or flats, pressing them into the soil without covering, as they need light to germinate. Keep them at a temperature of 70-75°F, and the seeds will germinate in 7-21 days.
The fragrance of the Prism Sunshine petunia is not its only unique feature. The vibrant yellow and white colours of the petals are eye-catching and distinctive. The centre of each flower is a bright yellow, which fades to a creamy yellow towards the edges. This colour combination is sure to add a burst of sunshine to any garden or outdoor space.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, petunias are fragrant and are one of the most well-known and widely grown fragrant annuals. They are unique in that they have different fragrances at night and day.
The purple petunias of the day have a warm fragrance, almost like daylilies, but with a sinister kick. At night, their fragrance is akin to clove. The white petunias are freest with the clove fragrance, while the others are a bit more floral.
The Prism Sunshine petunia, a yellow and white grandiflora, is deliciously scented at night. Several double petunias, especially mauve-purple cultivars, are also perfumed. The Purple Wave petunia is also scented.
