Petunia ampelous and cascading - the difference from each other

Petunias are bright flowers with abundant blooms, completely unpretentious in care. Among the many varieties, ampelous and cascading petunia stand out, between which, at first glance, there is no difference. Both species are sprawling bushes that look like waterfalls, woven from hundreds of colorful flowers.

Only an experienced gardener can understand which type of petunia is where, they are so similar to each other

Ampel variety

General description of the appearance of ampelous petunia:

• bush height from 30 cm to 1 m;
• stems - long, thin, drooping or spreading along a horizontal surface;
• foliage - medium size, pale green;
• flowers - located in the leaf axils, have a diameter of 3-10 cm;
• color - depending on the variety, it can be anything, white, red, yellow, purple.

The calling card of many varieties is the double color of the petals, which have a more saturated shade on the inside.
The most famous varieties:

• Snow Queen - snow-white petals;
• Katerina - yellow flowers with a hint of red;
• Corduroy - petals are characterized by a velvety surface, color - any;
• Mashenka - the main color is bright pink, the middle is yellow;
• Opera - main shades - red, white, pink.

The ampelous variety has strong immunity and resistance to diseases.

The ampelous variety is considered one of the most colorful, as it is represented in all sorts of colors.

Description of varieties

Thanks to the variety of varieties of ampelous petunia, you can choose a plant of a specific color, size and type of cultivation.

Popular types

– grows strongly to the sides.

Thanks to the extensive number of varieties, you can create entire compositions by combining the colors and shapes of plants. Ampelous and cascading petunia is suitable for growing both at home and in open ground.

Varietal varieties

It is necessary to distinguish between two types of plants: true ampelous petunia and cascading petunia. The difference between the shoots lies in appearance, stem length, growth, adaptation and cultivation characteristics.

Flower growers distinguish the following varietal characteristics of plants

No less popular varieties include supercascade petunia. It is distinguished by large flowers reaching 12 cm in diameter. It blooms quite early and for a long period of time. Often used for growing in balcony pots, hanging baskets and flowerpots.

When a buyer is faced with the choice of one plant or another, many people wonder: what is the difference between ampelous and cascading petunia.

Hybrids of cascading petunias have three varieties:

• flexible and strong stems growing downward;
• stems grow only upward with gradual falling down;
• semi-ampeles with short lashes (super cascade petunia).

Understanding all the main differences, characteristics of growth and cultivation, you can choose the most suitable plant for your home or garden.

Cascade variety

Features of the species:

• stem length - from 1.5 to 2.5 m, depending on climatic conditions;
• flowers are of the same size, about 5 cm in diameter, monochrome;
• color - varies depending on the variety.

Common subspecies of cascade petunia:

• Supercascade - petals are blue, purple, pink;
• Pirouette - the color is dominated by red and pink;
• Shock Vane is a red flower with a richer center;
• Mona Lisa - available in a variety of colors.

The cascade view is preferable for decorating plots and gardens. Due to its strong stems, the bush grows quickly and covers a fairly large area.

The cascading species is known for its abundant flowering, the bush looks like a solid flowering ball

Methods for propagating cascading petunias

Cascade petunias are successfully propagated by cuttings, which are recommended to be done in the spring. To do this, in the fall, the parent bush is cleared of old shoots and stored in a cool room at a temperature no higher than +12 degrees throughout the entire winter period. It should be watered sparingly and rarely.

With the arrival of spring, you can begin cutting cuttings, the length of which is, on average, 10 cm. Each specimen should have a pair of leaves, all other leaves can be removed. For better rooting, it is recommended to soak the cuttings for a while in a root growth stimulator. After this procedure, the cuttings are transplanted into containers filled with wet sand and covered with a glass cap.

It is best to place containers with cuttings in a sunny place with an air temperature of at least +23 degrees. It is important to provide the cuttings with lighting for 10 hours every day. If the duration of daylight hours is not enough for this, it is recommended to resort to sources of artificial light.

In favorable conditions, the cuttings will begin to take root within a week after planting and will be ready to move into seedling containers after the first leaves appear.

What are the main differences?

Cascade and ampelous petunia, at first glance, are very similar; not everyone can tell them apart. But there are differences between these two types, and quite significant ones.

Cascade petunia is studded with numerous buds, although small in diameter. The flowering of the bush is so abundant that sometimes the green part of the plant is not visible behind the blossoming buds.

Ampelous pendula, on the contrary, has rather large flowers, but their number is moderate.

There is a difference between petunias in flowering, which lasts longer in the cascade species.

Sometimes it can be difficult to choose

Kinds

Ampelnaya

Ampelous petunia has a number of properties characteristic only of it. It is almost impossible to confuse it with most other types of petunias. The length of its shoots can reach more than a meter, but the shoots neatly fall down and do not stick out in all directions. Because of these properties, it is most often grown in hanging pots - in them it looks most elegant and luxurious. Read about what other varieties of petunias can be grown in flower pots here.

Petunia has very delicate and soft leaves. Older leaves, which are closer to the root, are usually larger in size than young leaves on the shoots.

Flowers of various shades are very reminiscent of bells and are located along the entire length of the shoot. In some varieties the flowers are larger and reach a diameter of 10 cm, while in others only from three to five.

Petunia is a unique plant. On one shoot there may be buds not only of different sizes, but also of different colors. There are colors from snow-white to dark purple.

Cascade

Cascade petunia is essentially a variety of ampelous petunia, which has its own unique characteristics. First of all, it is distinguished by thicker shoots - up to one and a half meters in length. Until they reach a certain length, they grow upward and then hang down.

The shoots are quite strong and do not break in the wind. If this plant is planted in a hanging pot, it will look very much like an octopus. Its flowers reach 5-8 cm in diameter, all of the same size. Their shades may vary, but not very much.

Features of cultivation

Planting and further growing petunias is practically the same. Ampelous varieties are sown in early March, cascading varieties - from the second half of February.

Planting and basic rules of agricultural technology:

1. A container with a wall height of about 10 cm is treated with disinfectant solutions and filled with nutrient soil.
2. The seeds are laid on the ground, slightly deepened, and sprinkled with a thin layer of earth on top.
3. Watering is carried out by irrigating the soil from a spray bottle.
4. The top of the box is covered with film or glass to create a greenhouse effect. The film is removed daily for ventilation for 15-20 minutes.
5. Until the seedlings appear, the container is kept in a warm, well-lit room, watering is carried out as the soil dries.
6. The film is completely removed when the seedlings appear. Small bushes need to be watered pointwise, at the root, using a syringe, pipette or syringe.
7. As soon as about 3-4 leaves are formed on each bush, picking is carried out - from a common box, seedlings are transplanted into separate containers.

The only difference between planting cascading petunia and the ampel type is that it is less demanding on the composition of the soil, and therefore fewer problems arise when growing it.

In the spring, when stable, warm weather sets in, petunias can be moved into open ground, but only if there is no risk of frost returning.

When transplanting, the bushes are carefully removed from the ground; a lump of old soil must be left on the roots. They move into prepared holes in the garden.

Planting seeds can be done immediately in open ground under the snow - this way the seed will undergo natural hardening, which will help the plant gain strong immunity.

Sowing under the snow

Agricultural technology of petunias:

• watering - abundant, regular, in summer the bushes are watered every day;
• fertilizers - applied every 2-3 weeks, in liquid form, specialized formulations for petunias are used;
• regular loosening of the soil;
• pruning - timely removal of dried buds to provoke continued flowering.

When planting petunias on a site, it is necessary to choose well-lit areas, without drafts and protected from strong winds.

The choice of location is of particular importance for hanging bushes, which, due to the thinness and weakness of the stems, can break from a gust of strong wind.

Both types of pendula can be planted in flower pots and other hanging containers. But you need to pay attention to the right choice of pots.

• Ampelous petunia, due to the fact that its stems are lowered down and do not spread to the sides, has a fairly compact size. She does not need a large pot, and in one pot you can place several bushes at once at a short distance.
• Cascade petunia is a spreading bush that needs enough space to grow and bloom luxuriantly. For one plant you will need a container with a volume of at least 5 liters. If you plan to plant 2 specimens in one pot, the flowerpot should have a volume of 15 liters or more.

To create a bright decoration for a balcony or terrace, you can place both types of pendula in one flowerpot.
Both types of petunias do not need pinching. The exception is when the plants were kept in improper conditions.

Due to insufficient lighting or due to incorrectly set temperature conditions, petunia shoots begin to stretch upward, on which new leaves and buds do not form. And this may mean a complete lack of flowering in the future. To restore the flower and give it strength to bloom, pinching is done.

The main growth points are pinched, due to which the plant begins to actively form new stems and form buds. This way you can return petunias to their former splendor.

Instructions for planting cascading petunias

A competent choice of location for placing cascading petunias and compliance with the necessary rules during the planting procedure itself are the key to their successful development and abundant flowering. Today, seedlings for growing petunias are sold in specialized stores, so sowing seeds is losing popularity due to its labor intensity. Meanwhile, many gardeners prefer to independently trace the entire cycle of growth and development of petunias and prefer to grow them from seeds. In this case, there is a step-by-step algorithm that will allow you to sow without any problems:

1) The best time for sowing petunia seeds is in the last days of February and the first half of March.

2) Since the root system of petunias is extremely sensitive to stagnant moisture, care should be taken to provide a drainage layer at the bottom of the sowing container. Expanded clay is suitable for this purpose.

3) You need to pour a nutritious soil mixture on top of the drainage layer and bury the seeds in it.

4) It is recommended to cover containers with seed material with a glass cap or plastic film and place them in an environment with moderately humid air and a temperature of at least +20 degrees. The upper threshold of the optimal temperature regime is +25 degrees.

5) Future seedlings must be watered daily using a spray bottle. To disinfect and speed up seed germination, you can add a little potassium permanganate to the water.

6) Seedlings are considered ready for transplanting into peat containers after the third true leaf appears on the seedlings.

7) When starting to transplant young petunias to a permanent place, it is recommended to decide in advance on the desired planting density: if you plan to form a volumetric composition, it is worth planting several specimens in one pot or flowerpot.

Pinching the shoots will help the bushes branch better and grow more luxuriant. As a rule, for this procedure, the part of the shoot where 5 or 6 leaves grow is selected.

These simple recommendations are quite enough to successfully grow cascading petunia from seeds. With the necessary patience and care, the event is sure to be a success.

How to externally determine the variety?

At first glance, it is almost impossible to determine where the petunia is ampelous and where it is cascading, except that experienced gardeners can do it.

There are two signs by which one can tell about the type of pendula. The first is the size of the flowers, the diameter of which is larger in the ampelous variety. But at the same time, there are fewer of them, in contrast to the cascading pendula, in which the entire bush is covered with small flowers.

The second sign is the condition of the stems. They are thin and delicate in the ampelous petunia, while the cascading type has rather powerful, thick branches.

Due to the lack of visible distinctive features between the two types of petunias, cascade is often called a subspecies of the hanging plant.

Cascade varieties are recommended to be planted near supports

Protection from diseases and pests

Cascade petunias, to the same extent as other varieties of this flower crop, are susceptible to various diseases and attacks by harmful insects. Of course, unlike petunias grown in open ground, they are not threatened by parasites living in the soil, but there are plenty of other dangerous enemies. These include spider mites and aphids. To detect pests in time, you need to systematically inspect petunia bushes. The first sign of the presence of aphids is the sticky, whitish traces they leave on the surface of the leaves. Spider mites are not so easy to detect, therefore, as a rule, evidence of its attack on the plant is the disruption of vegetation processes and the loss of petunia bushes of their attractive appearance. As a preventive measure, cascade petunias can be treated with garlic infusion with the addition of dandelion. More radical measures include the use of insecticides “Confidor Extra” or “Aktara”. As for diseases, the greatest danger to cascade petunias are fungal diseases - for example, powdery mildew or late blight. Most often, an infected plant begins to lag in growth and development, blooms too late or does not bloom at all. Garlic infusion or fungicide preparations are suitable for treatment and preventive treatment.

Helps prevent fungal infections and introduce nitrogen fertilizers into the soil. As with harmful insects, it is important to regularly inspect your petunias to spot signs of disease early. Causes of concern should be deformed leaves, darkening of leaf blades, and the appearance of plaque. It is much easier to prevent an infection than to later try to cure a diseased plant, which is likely to die.

Options for use in landscape design

Both types of petunias are known for their lush blooms and are widely used in landscaping. Due to the thin and very delicate stems of the ampelous pendula, it is recommended to grow it in hanging flowerpots on terraces, balconies and loggias, in gazebos, where the risk of damage to branches by the wind is minimized.

Cascade varieties are used to decorate flower beds, alpine slides, and rockeries. They can be planted either in open ground or placed in large flowerpots in the garden. The main thing is to provide enough space for the flower.

Due to the fact that the stems of the cascade pendula begin to fall down over time under their own weight, it is recommended to place the flower near supports - walls, pipes, tree trunks, on which the stems can be leaned.

When planting petunia in open ground, you need to calculate a place for it in advance, especially if other plants will be placed nearby.

With sufficient freedom, petunia will begin to develop rapidly and in a short period of time can cover quite large areas of flower beds, preventing the development of other plants.

How to plant

When planting a plant, it is necessary to follow the recommended timing, take into account the characteristics of the soil, as well as the requirements for temperature and light conditions.

Soil requirements

In order for the petunia root system to develop properly, loose and light soil with breathable properties and neutral acidity is required. For these purposes, you can purchase ready-made soil with the addition of special baking powder at a flower shop.

You can also prepare the composition yourself by mixing the following components in equal proportions:

• turf land;
• peat;
• sand;
• humus.

No less effective is soil consisting of deciduous and turf soil, peat and coarse river sand.

In order for the soil to retain moisture, you need to lay a layer of expanded clay at the bottom of the pot.

Sowing time

The optimal period for sowing cascade petunia is February or March.

How to plant

The container must be filled with soil so that 1-1.5 centimeters remain to the edge. Petunia seeds should be evenly distributed over the entire surface of the substrate. Sprinkling with soil is not required, as this will only create an obstacle to germination.

Since this plant has very small seeds that are difficult to see on the soil surface, you can first add a layer of snow and then distribute them on top. Subsequently, the snow will melt and moisten the soil.

After sifting the petunia seeds, it is recommended to lightly sprinkle them with water and then cover them with glass, agricultural textiles or plain paper. Instead of pots, you can initially use plastic food containers with airtight lids.

Temperature and light conditions

This plant needs plenty of light, so at certain times of the day it may need additional lighting. A fluorescent lamp is quite suitable for these purposes.

The optimal air temperature level is from +20 to +23 degrees Celsius.

Ventilation

Crops need to be ventilated daily for fifteen minutes, and the level of soil moisture must be kept under control.

What's more beautiful

Knowing about all the features of ampelous and cascading petunias, you can independently determine what exactly you need. The choice depends on the main purpose, and as for beauty, both types of flowers are very decorative.

Petunia is considered a fairly easy flower to grow. It is universal in use; the variety of species and hybrids allows it to be used anywhere. Now you know how to distinguish ampelous petunia from cascading petunia, all that remains is to make your choice.

Advantages and disadvantages of this type of petunia

Cascade petunia is popular with gardeners. This is connected with an extensive list of its advantages:

1. Endurance. Easily adapts to negative environmental factors. Capable of growing even in cold regions of our country. Safely tolerates temporary frosts.
2. Unpretentiousness. Caring for petunia is easy. The plant needs regular watering and rare feeding, but does not die if the gardener does not take care of it.
3. Long flowering. The cascade variety pleases with its flowering from May until the onset of frost.
4. Abundant flowering. The plant produces a large number of fairly large flowers at the same time.
5. Attractive appearance. Due to the fact that the shoots do not immediately fall down, but first grow upward, the bush has a beautiful shape and looks attractive even at the base.
6. Versatility. Cascade culture looks equally good in hanging and floor planters, in flower beds. It is considered an ideal option for decorating alpine slides.

Cascading varieties also have disadvantages:

1. Cascade varieties require more frequent watering than bush varieties.
2. Due to the fact that the lashes of petunias growing in a flower bed touch the ground, the likelihood of infection increases.
3. Cascading varieties require more free space than bush varieties.

How to care for an adult plant

Proper care of a mature petunia bush involves maintaining optimal soil moisture and the required amount of nutritional components in it.

Features of watering

Cascade petunia should be watered daily, making sure that the soil is evenly saturated with moisture. Excess moisture flowing through the drainage holes will indicate that watering is correct. During dry periods, two moisturizing sessions per day are required. When it gets colder, the frequency of irrigation should be reduced.

Other methods of supplying an adult plant with moisture can also be used - for example, regular irrigation with a spray bottle or using a tray with cool water.

How to feed correctly

During the flowering period of cascade petunia, it is necessary to apply complex mineral fertilizers with a high content of magnesium and potassium. The optimal frequency of procedures is once every two weeks.

Topping

The first time this procedure should be carried out is when the shoots grow to 5-7 centimeters. At this stage, which is the active growth phase, the particle above the fifth leaf is removed. This will ensure more active growth of the side shoots of petunia. For best results, the procedure must be repeated every month.

Diseases and pests

Cascade petunia, especially its hybrid varieties, is resistant to pests and diseases. But in some cases, the plant is affected by fungi, aphids and late blight.

Fungi

Fungal infection is the most dangerous enemy of cascade petunia, causing deterioration in growth and flowering, and also preventing the development of new side shoots. The presence of fungus is indicated by darkening and rotting of the plant stems. Treating the bush with antifungal solutions will help eliminate the problem.

Late blight

Late blight is a consequence of a violation of planting technology and oversaturation of the soil with moisture. In such cases, the bush should be treated with copper oxychloride - this remedy is effective for both preventive and therapeutic purposes.

Aphid

Garden aphids are localized on the leaves of the plant, depriving them of nutritious cell sap. Spraying with a solution of wood ash and laundry soap helps get rid of the pest.

How and when to collect seeds correctly

Petunia seeds are collected from the beginning of June until the end of flowering. Planting material is formed in fruits - bivalve boxes that open when ripe.

Terry varieties do not produce seeds. To obtain planting material, pollen is collected from double flowers and transferred to ordinary inflorescences. The resulting fruits on an ordinary petunia pollinated in this way will contain the seeds of double plants.