Petunias (Petunia spp.) are one of the most popular garden flowers for both borders and containers. They are prolific bloomers, and you can find them in just about every color but true blue.
Petunias have wide, trumpet-shaped flowers and branching foliage that is hairy and somewhat sticky. Within the petunia genus, there is great variety: single and double blooms; ruffled and smooth petals; striped, veined, and solid colors; mounding and cascading growth habits; and even some with fragrance.
Most of the petunias sold today are hybrids, developed for specific design purposes. They grow easily and quickly when you transplant them into the garden, which should be done in the spring once the threat of frost has passed.