Petunias are a popular annual flower grown in pots and containers across the U.S. According to the 2019 Horticultural Census; petunias rank number one in plant sales across the country. But petunias haven’t always been esteemed for their beauty. You may be surprised to learn that petunias once symbolized anger and resentment in the language of flowers. Although their popularity in recent years has changed their symbolism, it is still worth noting that some may continue to refer to their outdated meaning. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Petunia flower meaning, symbolism, and cultural significance over time.
The Meaning & Symbolism of Petunia Flowers – The Essentials
The symbolic meaning of petunia flowers has evolved throughout time from associations with anger and resentment to the more modern symbolism of desire, hope, and calmness. As with all flowers, the meaning and symbolism also depend on the color of the petunia flowers and the relationship between the giver and the recipient.
About Petunia Flowers
Family, Genus, and Taxonomy
Petunia is a genus of plants in the Solanaceae family. There are approximately 35 species of petunia plants. The garden petunia (Petunia x atkinsiana) is an ornamental plant used as bedding plants or to fill window boxes and hanging baskets.
Botanical Characteristics, Colors, Fragrances
Petunias produce papery trumpet-shaped blooms ranging in color from white, pink, purple, and red to striped or spotted hybrids. Many petunias have a contrasting throat that may be either lighter or darker than the petal color.
The growing habits of petunias depend on the variety, as some are short (8 to 10 inches) upright plants, while several types produce long, cascading vines that may reach 3 feet or more.
These showy flowers attract butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds to the summer garden.
Petunias have a delicate, sweet fragrance that is more noticeable in the late afternoon or evening.
History & Origins of Petunia Flowers
Petunias originated in South America, where Spanish explorers reportedly discovered them in the 16th Century. At the time, the plants were ignored as they were considered ugly, which the natives called ‘petun,’ meaning ‘worthless tobacco plant.’
They were not introduced to Europe until 1823 when a new group of Spanish explorers visited Argentina and brought back samples and seeds.
Popular Types, Species, and Cultivars
Petunias are divided into categories based on their growth habit and flower size. These include:
- Grandiflora: These petunias have large flowers that may reach 5 inches across. Grandiflora petunias are the oldest type of petunia. They may become spindly in mid-summer.
- Multiflora: These petunias have somewhat smaller flowers but produce more flowers. These petunias have strong stems that hold up well to the wind and rain. They may be either single or double-petaled.
- Milliflora: Milliflora petunias produce masses of miniature blooms (1 to 1 ½ inches) on small 8-inch plants. They are ideal for containers and hanging baskets as they are self-cleaning and do not require deadheading.
- Spreading (Wave): Spreading petunias produce blooms on trailing vines that grow quickly. Vines grow 2 to 4 feet long and have an abundance of 2-inch blooms.
Each group of petunias contains a wide variety of cultivars that vary in appearance and flower color.
Etymological Meaning
It is generally believed the name petunia was derived from the word petun, the term for worthless tobacco plant in the Tupi-Guarani language spoken in South America.
However, some sources report the Tupi-Guarani term for the plant was pety. Still, others like Tom MacCubbin of the Orlando Sentinel claim that a French botanist named Petun collected the first seeds from Argentina in the mid-1800s. The plant was given the name petunia in his honor.
What regions are Petunia flowers native to?
Petunias are native to regions of South America and Mexico. The first petunias were discovered in Argentina and surrounding areas.
When are Petunia flowers in season?
Petunias are a tender perennial grown as annuals across the U.S. These prized flowers bloom from spring until fall with a show-stopping display of color all summer.
Uses and Benefits of Petunia Flowers
Petunias are ornamental plants typically grown in containers and hanging baskets, but they can be grown in borders, too. These showy flowers bloom all summer, bringing color and life to the garden.
Petunias are insect-pollinated and attract hummingbirds, bees, butterflies, and other flying insects. The hummingbird moth is often seen buzzing from flower to flower in the late evening.
Petunia flowers are sometimes used as a garnish, but they typically are not eaten, although they are non-toxic to humans and pets. Petunias can be planted safely in areas where children and pets are likely to play.
The Meaning, Symbolism, and Cultural Significance of Petunia Flowers
Petunia Color Meaning and Symbolism
Pink Petunia Flower Meaning
Pink represents gentleness and femininity and is typically equated with motherly love. These petunias make a delightful Mother’s Day gift.
Red Petunia Flower Meaning
Red is the color of passion and love. It’s commonly believed that red petunias represent depth and strength in relationships.
White Petunia Flower Meaning
White is the color of innocence and purity, but white petunias can also express trust and dignity. They are often displayed at weddings and religious events.
Black Petunia Flower Meaning
Black petunias can be interpreted as a sign of death or feelings of gloom, but some say they represent strength and uniqueness. The meaning depends on the relationship between the giver and the recipient.
Yellow Petunia Flower Meaning
Bright and cheery yellow petunias represent respect and friendship — Reserve yellow petunias for close friends.
Purple Petunia Flower Meaning
Rich shades of purple symbolize fantasy, enchantment, grace, and royalty. Purple petunias also express respect and admiration. Give purple petunias to friends and colleagues.
Blue Petunia Flower Meaning
Blue flowers represent trust and peaceful energy and are best for those you trust and admire. Give blue petunias to family, friends, or colleagues.
The Historical Symbolism of Petunia Flowers
Petunia Flowers and Folklore
The Mayans and Incas believed that petunias possessed the magical power to chase away spirits and monsters from the underworld. It is said that petunias will not grow in an area with negative energy but will thrive in positive energy.
Petunia Flowers and the Early Spanish Explorers
The first petunias were discovered in Argentina by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. These white flowers were less showy than the dramatic petunias we have today. It is reported that the Tupi-Guarani Indians referred to them as petun, meaning worthless tobacco plants. The explorers we so unimpressed with the plant that they did not bother to gather seeds from them.
Petunia Flower Meaning in Victorian Times
The contradictory symbolism associated with these flowers can be traced back to Victorian times when petunia’s association with anger and resentment were linked to the sudden and extreme outbursts by Her Royal Highness Queen Victoria.
Ironically, during Victorian Times, petunias were also often displayed at weddings to symbolize suitable company.
Petunias in Shamanism
The petunia is used in shaman rituals in South America to bring insight. Petunias are thought to enhance creativity and inspiration, make dreams come true, and encourage wonder and hope.
Suitable Gifting Occasions for Petunia Flowers
Today, the meaning and symbolism of petunia flowers make them suitable gifts for housewarmings, birthdays, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, and other celebrations.
Petunia Flowers FAQs:
What does a Petunia flower symbolize?
Petunias can symbolize anger and resentment, especially if given to someone you have recently disagreed with. However, a more modern symbolism of petunia portrays petunias as a flower of desire, hope, and comfort or calmness.
Are Petunia flowers considered lucky?
While petunias don’t specifically represent luck, Mayan and Incan beliefs think petunias ward off evil spirits and only grow in areas with positive energy. They are also thought to express desire, hope, and comfort, which may bring the recipient good luck.
Is a Petunia a flower of love?
Petunias can represent desire and the feeling of comfort around the recipient.
Do Petunia flowers come back every year?
Petunias are a tender perennial grown as annuals in the U.S. The flowers and plants die when it gets cold in the fall. The plant does not regrow in the next year, however, when grown in the flowerbed, petunias often self-seed, and new petunia plants emerge the following year.
How long do Petunia flowers last?
Each petunia flower opens in the morning. By nightfall, the flower closes and begins to whither. The old flower drops from the vine within a day or two, but because the petunia blooms so profusely, new flowers are always in bloom.
Do Petunia flower more than once?
Petunias bloom prolifically all summer. If they suffer from a lack of water and begin to dry up, pruning the plants and giving them the water they need will typically revive them. It may take several weeks for the petunia plant to be in full bloom again.
Petunia Flower Meaning – The Final Word
For years, petunias symbolized anger and resentment, but that has changed as these beautiful flowers have earned a home in flowerbeds and containers across the USA more popular meaning for petunia flowers is more uplifting as they represent desire, hope, and calmness. Petunias are an ideal gift for housewarmings, Mother’s Day, birthdays, and anniversaries.
Andrew is the Editorial Director at Petal Republic. He holds a BSc degree in Plant Sciences and has trained professionally at leading floristry schools in London and Paris. In amongst overseeing a global editorial team, Andrew's a passionate content creator around all things flowers, floral design, gardening, and houseplants.
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