Calibrachoa and Petunias are both popular flowering plants belonging to the Solanaceae family, often used in hanging baskets, containers, and garden beds. While they share similarities in appearance and care requirements, they are distinct species with unique characteristics. Understanding their differences can help gardeners choose the right plant for their needs.
Calibrachoa (Calibrachoa spp.): Formerly classified under the genus Petunia, Calibrachoa was reclassified due to genetic differences. It has a smaller chromosome count (2n=18) compared to Petunias (2n=14). Calibrachoa is native to South America, particularly Brazil and Uruguay.
Petunias (Petunia spp.): Petunias are also native to South America but are more widely distributed, including regions like Argentina and Paraguay. They are larger in size and have been hybridized extensively, resulting in a wide variety of colors and forms.
Flower Size and Shape: Calibrachoa flowers are smaller, typically 1 inch in diameter, with a trumpet-like shape. Petunias produce larger flowers, ranging from 2 to 4 inches, with a more pronounced funnel shape.
Foliage: Calibrachoa leaves are smaller, stickier, and more compact, while Petunia leaves are broader, softer, and slightly hairy.
Growth Habit: Calibrachoa tends to have a trailing or mounding growth habit, making it ideal for hanging baskets. Petunias can be trailing, mounding, or upright, depending on the variety.
Calibrachoa: Known for its prolific blooming, Calibrachoa produces numerous small flowers in vibrant colors, including bi-colors and patterns like veining or star-shaped centers. The color palette includes shades of purple, pink, yellow, red, and white.
Petunias: Petunias offer a broader range of colors, including deep blues, blacks, and neon hues. Some varieties feature double blooms or ruffled edges. Grandiflora Petunias have the largest flowers, while Multiflora types are more weather-resistant.
Sunlight: Both plants thrive in full sun (6+ hours daily) but can tolerate partial shade. Petunias may require more sunlight to maintain vigorous blooming.
Watering: Calibrachoa prefers consistent moisture but is more drought-tolerant once established. Petunias need regular watering, especially in hot climates, to prevent wilting.
Temperature: Calibrachoa is more heat-tolerant and can bloom continuously in warm weather. Petunias may struggle in extreme heat unless they are heat-resistant varieties.
Deadheading: Petunias often require deadheading to promote new blooms, while Calibrachoa is self-cleaning, dropping spent flowers naturally.
Fertilization: Both benefit from regular feeding, but Calibrachoa is more sensitive to high fertilizer salts, requiring a balanced, slow-release formula. Petunias are heavier feeders and may need weekly liquid fertilizer.
Disease Resistance: Calibrachoa is generally more resistant to pests like aphids and diseases like powdery mildew. Petunias are prone to budworm infestations and fungal issues in humid conditions.
Calibrachoa: Ideal for small spaces, hanging baskets, and mixed containers due to its trailing habit and continuous blooms. It works well as a "spiller" in garden designs.
Petunias: Suitable for mass plantings, borders, and large containers. Upright varieties like "Wave Petunias" can cover ground quickly, while grandifloras make striking focal points.
