The past couple of days, we've been asked alot of questions in regards to the differences between wave petunia varieties. Hopefully this brief synopsis will make it a little clearer.
Wave includes 4 petunia series and 1 pansy series. The petunia series are wave, easy wave, shock wave and tidal wave. Each series offers something a little different.
Wave - The spectacular low-growing, spreading habit makes this award-winning series ideal for landscapes and garden beds, as well as baskets and large color bowls. Masses of flowers form along the entire length of each branch. Unlike standard petunias, the flowers continue to bloom freely all season without being trimmed back. Wave series will spread 3 to 4 ft. with a height of 5 to 7 in. Flower size is 2 to 2.5 in.
Easy Wave - Another excellent choice for landscapes, gardens, baskets and containers, these high-impact plants have minimal maintenance requirements. More mounded with a more controlled spreading habit than low-growing Wave variety. Easy Wave series will spread 2.5 to 3 ft. with a height of 6 to 12 in. Flower size is 2 to 3 in.
Shockwave - Performs equally well in small spaces, hanging baskets, containers and mixed combos, producing a mounded, spreading plant that is similar in shape and just as easy to manage as Easy Wave. Noted as the best for baskets series. Shockwave series will spread 2.5 to 3 ft. with a height of 7 to 10 in. Flower size is 1.5 to 2 in.
Tidal Wave - The largest of the Wave petunia family, Tidal Wave varieties create a very full, shrub like plant that is ideal for landscapes and large containers. The growth habit is based on how closely the plants are spaced in the garden – the closer the spacing, the taller the plants. When spaced a minimum of 12 in. (30 cm) apart, plants form a dense, mounded hedge. Grown in a restricted space with support, they will grow an extra 2 to 3 ft. (61 to 91 cm) upward, like a vine. When given plenty of space, these petunias make a floriferous groundcover. Tidal wave series will spread 2.5 to 5 ft. with a height of 16 to 22 in. Flower size is 2 to 2.5 in.
Here is a quick visual of the differences between each series. Photo courtesy of Ball Seed Co.
Our wave petunia offerings can be found at 2021 Annual Bedding Plants, Herbs and Garden Transplants – Maple Park Farm
Hopefully this helps answer the question as to which wave petunia is right for your needs. Happy Planting!