Petunia is a genus of 20 species of flowering plants native to South America. These pretty flowers are treated as annuals in most areas with a hardiness of 2-8 but can be grown as tender perennials in hardy zones of 9-11. Petunia’s height varies from 6-18 inches tall, and they can spread up to 4 feet wide.
Petunias are a popular choice to brighten up dreary borders or to give life to your front porch’s hanging baskets. Petunias are mound-forming plants that offer exceptional blooms and long flowering periods. From early spring to the first frost, petunias burst masses of brilliant, lively trumpet-shaped flowers in almost every color except true-blue.
Petunias are versatile plants that thrive in most well-draining soil types. Petunias prefer full sun; however, they appreciate partial shade in very hot temperatures. Although petunias are reasonably drought tolerant, deeply water them once a week.
Petunia flowers are lovely ornamental flowers and great for borders, hanging baskets, and seasonal groundcovers. Let’s take a look at flowers similar to petunias.
Related: Types of Flowers by Alphabet | Types of Flower Colors
Begonias
Begoniaceae is an annual or warm-weather perennial native to most subtropical or tropical climates. Begonia has a hardy zone of 6-9 and grows 12-18 inches tall and wide. Begonias adored tiny flowers.
Begonias have large, deep green, heart-shaped foliage with delicate, slightly fragranced white, pink, or red flowers that bloom from summer to first frost. Begonias thrive in full sun to partially shaded areas. Begonias like rich, moist, and well-draining soil.
Begonias like consistently moist soil. So, as a rule of thumb, do not let Begonias soil dry out completely. Begonias and petunias are both excellent plants to grow in hanging baskets.
They also have similar sun and soil requirements. Begonias can be used as a flower infusion to promote blood circulation and eliminate toxins.
Million Bells
Calibrachoa is an annual flower native to South America, commonly known as Million bells. Million bells are hardy zones of 9-11 and mature to 3-9 inches tall and 6-24 inches wide. Million bells are most fondly grown in hanging baskets where their masses of bright green foliage and gorgeous blooms gracefully spill over the sides.
Million bell flowers bloom from spring to frost and range in white, pink, magenta, red, yellow, blue, violet, and bronze. Million bells thrive in full sun or dappled sun and prefer to be planted in rich, moist, and well-draining soil. Keep your million bells evenly moist and ensure that the soil never dries out completely.
Million bells resemble tiny petunias and have similar bloom periods and sun requirements to petunias. Million bells are spectacular ornamental flowers for hanging baskets or ground covers.
Scented-leaved Geraniums
Scented-leaved geraniums belong to the Pelargonium spp. Family. These scented geraniums are herbaceous perennials, usually grown as annuals native to Southern Africa and temperate and tropical regions worldwide. Scented-leaved geraniums are hardy to zones 10-11 and mature to 1-3 feet tall and 1-2 feet wide.
Scented-leaved geraniums are evergreen shrubs with attractive lacy grey to green foliage covered in tiny, soft hairs. They grace us with petite white, pink, or red blooms in summer, each with two large upper petals and three small lower petals. Scented-leaved geraniums thrive in full to partial sun and well-drained soil.
They are reasonably drought-tolerant; a deep watering session once a week is sufficient. Scented-leaved geraniums and petunias have similar sun, soil, and water requirements. The essential oil of scented-leaved geraniums has been used in perfumes, insect repellents, astringents, and aromatherapy oils.
In addition, Scented-leaved geranium has antibacterial properties; tea can be made to clean the face.
Lantana
Lantana Camara is an evergreen shrub native to Africa and the tropical regions of the Americas. Lantana is a perennial in hardy zones 8-11; otherwise, it’s grown as a perennial. Lantana sizes vary greatly based on where they are grown; they mature to sizes of 1-8 feet tall and 16 inches- 4 feet wide.
Lantanas are sun-loving evergreen shrubs with aromatic mounds of dark green foliage. From spring to first frost, Lantanas boast rounded clusters of brightly colored petite flowers. Their flowers vary from white, yellow, orange, red, or purple; their blooms often have various colors within one cluster that create a bicolored effect.
Lantana thrives in full sun to partially shaded areas with well-drained soil conditions. Although, Lantana needs a lot of water to encourage abundant blooms, do not allow the soil to dry out completely. Lantana and petunia combinations are popular plants for container gardening.
Both flowering plants grow well in full sun to partial shade, making them a perfect combination for your front porch. The leaves of Lantana are used for treating malaria, measles, chickenpox, asthma, eczema, high blood pressure, sores, fevers, and colds.
Tropical Hibiscus
Hibiscus rosa-Sinensis is an evergreen shrub native to Asia. The tropical hibiscus is hardy to zones 9-11 and grows 4-10 feet tall and 5-8 feet wide. Tropical hibiscus is a vigorous growing shrub with vibrant, bold trumpet-shaped flowers with dramatic yellow stamens almost all year round in frost-free conditions.
Tropical hibiscus flowers range in pure white, pink, peach, orange, bright yellow, purple, and red colors. Tropical hibiscus is relatively easy to grow; it prefers temperatures of 55°F to 70°F; however, the tropical hibiscus thrives in full sun to partial shade and moist but well-drained soil types. Tropical hibiscus is a thirsty shrub requiring at least one to two inches of water weekly.
Tropical hibiscus and petunias have similar sun requirements, and except for the tropical hibiscus’ protruding yellow stamens, they have a similar bloom. Tropical hibiscus is traditionally used to treat conditions such as cancer, lower blood pressure, dry coughs, and topically treat skin afflictions. You may also like Shade-Loving Flowers!
Strawflower
The Strawflower is scientifically known as Xerochrysum bracteatum. The Strawflower is native to Australia and has hardiness of 8-10. Strawflowers mature to 2-3 feet tall and 6-18 inches wide.
Strawflowers are short-lived, tender perennials that boast daisy-like flowers from spring to fall. The flowers are adorned with central yellow disks that are surrounded with glossy, stiff petal-like bracts in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red, white, and pink. Strawflowers prefer temperatures of 60°F to 70°F.
These plants thrive in full sun but are tolerant of part shade, and they grow in any well-drained soil type. Strawflowers are fairly drought-tolerant, but one inch of weekly watering will keep them blooming strong, healthy blooms. Strawflowers and petunias have similar sun and soil requirements.
Strawflowers are useful in skincare, aromatherapy, and as an anti-inflammatory oil.
Impatiens
Impatiens spp. are tender perennials native to Africa, Eurasia, and New Guinea. Impatiens are tropical perennials often grown as annuals in hardy zones 10-12. However, Impatiens are hardy to zones of 2-11 and grow 6-36 inches tall and 1-3 feet wide.
Impatiens have long, dark green leaves with beautiful contrasting blooms. In addition, impatiens have irregularly shaped blooms that may be solitary or in small clusters. These darling flowers bloom from spring to first frost and are showcased in white, red, pink, coral, violet, purple, or yellow colors.
Impatiens thrive in temperatures of 50°F-70°F. Impatiens should be planted in well-draining soil and areas with partial shade or full shade. Impatiens thrive when regularly watered.
Deeply water your impatiens once per week. Impatiens have similar bloom times and water and soil requirements as petunias. Impatiens treat skin ailments and stinging nettle rashes, and poison ivy toxicity.
Violas
Viola spp. is a short-lived perennial with over 500 different species. Violas are native to the Northern Hemisphere and grow in hardy zones of 3-8. They mature to 4-10 inches tall and 4-10 inches wide.
Violas are spring and fall blooming flowers that showcase an abundance of fragrant and vibrant flowers ranging in white, yellow, blue, and light to deep violet, as well as multi-colors. The flowers are all adorned with bright yellow eyes and cute whiskers. Violas thrive in full sun to partial shade, preferably in temperatures of 40°F-70°F.
Violas thrive in rich, moist, well-draining soil and need regular watering, but allow the soil to dry out first before watering them again partially. Violas and petunias are excellent bedding or container plants and have similar sun preferences. Violas are edible flowers that treat whooping coughs, asthma, and inflammation.
Angelonia
Angelonia Angustifolia is tender perennials native to Mexico and the West Indies. Angelonia grows in hardy zones of 9-11 and mature to 18 inches tall. Angelonia, also knowns as summer snapdragon, have flexible stems with narrow, pointed foliage.
In summer, Angelonia boasts a profusion of showy spikes or gorgeous flowers in white and various shades of pink and purple. Their eye-catching blossoms have a grape scent and are rich in nectar. Angelonia needs a full day of sun to continue blooming; however, they tolerate most well-draining soil types.
Angelonia is a tough plant that will continue blooming during drought periods. Water them whenever the soil feels dry. Angelonia is lovely ornamental flowers and great for borders, hanging baskets, and seasonal groundcovers like petunias.
Bidens
Bidens are part of the aster family with more than 200 Biden species. Bidens can be grown as annuals or perennials and are native to Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Polynesia. Bidens are hardy to zones 8-11 and mature to 6-12 inches tall and 1-3 feet wide.
Bidens are beautiful plants with evergreen foliage, and in summer, they typically bloom yellow or orange flowers; however, there are newer varieties that include white, gold, and pink blossoms. Bidens are well-known for their tiny, sticky seeds that cling to clothing and animal fur. Bidens are relatively easy plants to grow; they grow well in full sun to partial shade.
Bidens tolerate most well-draining soil types but prefer rich, humus soil. Bidens are heat and drought tolerant; however, they require regular watering for longevity. An inch of water weekly is sufficient.
Bidens have similar sun and soil requirements to petunias. Bidens have properties that can treat malaria, skin infections, and stomach and liver disorders.
Gerbera Daisies
Gerbera jamesonii is an herbaceous perennial native to South Africa. Gerbera daisies are hardy to zones 8-10 and grow 10-18 inches tall and 9-12 inches wide. Gerbera daisies have pinnate or toothed foliage and upright stalks bearing vivid flowers with large flower heads and ray-like petals around a center disk of tine black or green flowers from summer to fall.
Gerbera daisies love the sun but do not flourish in intense heat. So, plant them in full to partial sun, depending on your climate. Gerbera daisies prefer moist, well-drained soil and thrive effortlessly when given enough water- one inch of weekly watering will suffice.
Gerbera daisies and petunias are perfect companion plants that will create splendid color combinations in your garden. They have similar sun and water requirements. Gerbera daisies are generally used as an ornamental flower for garden beds and bouquets, but they can be infused in a tea to treat bronchitis and coughs.
Flax Flower
Linum usitatissimum is a reasonably fast-growing annual plant native to Asia and Europe. The flax flower is a hardy flower with a broad hardiness zone of 2-11 and grows up to 3 feet tall. The flax flower is a fast-growing herb with tall and thin stems that produce an abundance of short-lived delicate blue flowers.
These delicate summer blooms only last a day, but they frequently replace themselves with new attractive blooms. The flax flower thrives in sheltered, full sun locations and most well-draining soil types; however, they do not cope well in wet clay soil. Flax flowers are relatively drought-tolerant but thrive when watered weekly.
Flax flowers and petunias have similar sun, soil, and water requirements. Flax flowers are nutrient-packed, and their seeds are used to produce linseed oil. Their stems are harvested to make cloth linen.
Gardenia
Gardenia jasminoides is a tropical evergreen native to China, Japan, and Taiwan. These broadleaf evergreens are hardy to zones 8-11 and grow 5-6 feet tall with a similar spread. Gardenias are noted for their exceptionally large, glossy green leaves and vigorous and profuse blooms.
These intensely fragranced white flowers grace in late spring to early summer. Gardenias thrive in temperatures above 60°F when places in partially shady areas and rich, well-draining soil. Keep gardenias soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging.
Gardenias and petunias have similar blooms and are excellent container plants. Gardenia is taken orally to treat a large variety of illnesses, including anxiety, agitation, bladder infections, constipation, liver disorders, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Jewelweed
Impatiens capensis is commonly referred to as jewelweed or a spotted touch-me-not. The jewelweed is a wildflower native to Missouri and is hardy to zones 5-8. Jewelweed is technically an annual and grows 3-5 feet tall.
The jewelweed is a tall, leafy annual bosting pendant golden-orange blossoms during late spring to early fall. The blooms dangle like porcelain earrings from their axils; they have decorative dots and a large pouch with long nectar spurs at the back of the flower. Jewelweed has the ability to flourish in most intolerable environments.
However, jewelweed prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, organic soil types. The jewelweed can survive in waterlogged soil but rather aim to keep the soil evenly moist. Jewelweed and petunias have similar bloom periods and sun requirements.
Jewelweed is applied topically to relieve itching and pain from hives, poison ivy, or stinging nettles.
Lisianthus
Eustoma grandiflorum or Lisianthus is an herbaceous perennial plant usually grown as an annual native to North America. These beautiful flowers grow in a hardy zone of 8-10 and are 1-3 feet tall and 6-12 inches wide at maturity. Lisianthus has dark green succulent-like foliage with long straight stems.
In summer, they bloom beautiful funnel-shaped flowers with multiple layers of fluttery petals. Lisianthus is commonly pink, purple, cream or white. Lisianthus and petunias both thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
However, Lisianthus prefers soil that is rich in organic matter. Water Lisianthus frequently, but allow the soil to dry out well between watering. Lisianthus is used for beautiful bouquets and flower arrangements.
In addition, lisianthus plants are ideal for raised beds and containers, similar to petunias.
Mandevilla
Mandevilla spp. is a genus of gorgeous flowering vines native to North America, Central America, and South America. Mandevilla plants are hardy to zones 10-11 and mature to 3-10 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide. Mandevilla has woody-stemmed tropical vines with glossy green foliage and sprays of funnel-shaped flowers in pretty shades of white, pink, and red that generally bloom in summer but can stretch to fall.
Similar to petunias, Mandevilla thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil conditions. Both plants are excellent container plants and hanging baskets too. Mandevilla is a fairly easy plant to care for; when given consistently moist soil, they will thank you with an abundance of beautiful summer blooms.
Mandevilla plants are ornamental plants commonly used in containers or baskets, similar to petunias.
Bower Vine
Pandorea jasminoides is a subtropical, twining plant native to Australia. The bower vine is hardy to zones 9-11 and grows 15-25 feet tall. Bower vines are rewarding plants that spread out in a delicate structure and produce trumpet-shaped flowers with deep pink centers from spring through summer.
Bower vines have similar blooms to petunias and also thrive in full to part sun. Both plants grow in most well-draining soil types. The bower vine is somewhat drought tolerant but thrives with regular watering as long as the soil dries out first.
Bower vines are graceful-looking vines that are used to cover trellises and fences.
Katie Ruellia
Ruellia brittoniana ‘Katie’ is an herbaceous perennial native to Mexico. Katie Ruellia is hardy to zones 7-10. IT grows 6-10 inches tall and spreads to 12 inches wide.
Katie Ruellia is a vigorous, dwarf herbaceous plant that features low, spreading mounds of narrow, deep green foliage. Katie Ruellia blooms pink or purple flowers almost all year round! Katie Ruellia is an easy to care for plant that thrives in full sun to partially shaded areas and prefers average to moist soil conditions.
Katie Ruellia is a drought-tolerant plant with little to moderate water requirements. Katie Ruellia blooms are similar to petunias with a tubular but slightly more trumpet-like shape than petunias. Katie Ruellia is adored as an ornamental plant when planted in borders or pots, similar to petunias.
Red Salvia
Salvia splendens is an herbaceous perennial native to Brazil. Red Salvia is a member of the mint family, hardy to zones 10-11, and grows to 1-2 feet tall 9-18 inches wide. Red Salvia is a vibrant addition to anyone’s garden! It has a vigorous but neat growing habit with lush green, heart-shaped foliage.
During summer to fall, Red Salvia emits sizzling scarlet-red flowers. Red Salvia thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. Red Salvia likes consistently moist soil but prevents waterlogging as it may cause root rot. Red Salvia is often used in borders and containers, similar to petunias.
Red Salvia and petunias are classic pairs, and both offer a lovely treat for hummingbirds. Red salvia’s leaves are used for treating colds and coughs and for dressing wounds.
Candy Tuft
Iberis Sempervirens is a perennial flower native to the Mediterranean. Candytuft grows in hardy zones of 4-8 and matures to 12-18 inches tall and 12-16 inches wide. Candytuft is a late spring bloomer with leathery, evergreen foliage and inflorescences of pure white, four-petaled flowers enlightened with yellow dots.
Contrary to its pleasant name, candytuft has a relatively unpleasant aroma. Candytuft prefers temperatures of 75°F-85°F and grows well in areas with full sun to partial shade. Well-draining soil is critical for candytuft to survive.
Candytuft prefers gravelly, well-drained soil. Candytuft needs moderate watering approximately 1-2 times per week. Candytuft and petunias have similar sun requirements.
Candytuft perfectly compliments petunias when grown in flower beds. Both plants need well-draining soil to thrive. Candytuft treats gout, rheumatism, and arthritis.
Lobelia
Lobelia erinus is a tender perennial that is part of the bellflower family. Lobelia is native to Southern Africa. It is hardy to zones 10-11 and grows 6-9 inches tall with a similar spread.
Lobelia is a popular upright, clump-forming perennial perfect for late summer gardens. Lobelia boasts a profusion of fiery red, lilac, pink, pale blue, or purple flower spikes that are densely packed with gorgeous two-lipped blossoms from summer to fall. Lobelia thrives in full sun to partial shade with evenly moist and well-drained soil conditions.
Keep your soil evenly moist to allow your lobelia to thrive. Lobelia and petunias are both perfect for pots and containers and thrive in similar sun and soil conditions. This vivid and versatile color combination will bring life to your porch!
Lobelia is used to treat breathing problems , including asthma, bronchitis, and whooping coughs.
Cosmos
Cosmos sulphureus is a tuberous perennial native to South America, Central America, and North America. Cosmos has a hardiness zone of 2-11 and matures to 1-6 feet tall and 1-3 feet wide. Cosmos is a freely flowering annual with fern-like foliage that boasts white, bright pink, purple, yellow to tangerine, and red to velvety chocolate flowers with rounded petals from summer to fall.
Cosmos thrives in plenty of full sun with rich, well-draining soil. Deeply watering cosmos once a week is sufficient to keep them thriving. Cosmos and petunias have similar sun and water requirements.
Cosmos is an ornamental flower and a great cut flower.
Zinnia
Zinnia Elegans are annual or perennial shrubs native to South America, Mexico, and the southwestern United States. Zinnia grows in a hardiness zone of 2-11 (annuals in 2-8, perennials in 9-11) and mature to a size of 1-4 feet tall and 12-18 inches wide. Zinnias have rough, lance-shaped leaves and produce beautiful flowers in late spring.
Zinnia blooms have double, fully rounded flowers packed with petals in striking colors of snow-white, pink, coral, lavender purple, bright yellow, orange, red, and green. Zinnias boost prolific blooms when planted in full sunlight and well-draining soil. In addition, zinnia is a drought-tolerant plant that needs occasional watering.
Zinnias and petunias have similar sun and soil preferences. Both zinnias and petunias bring an explosion of color wherever they are planted; they are both adored ornamental flowers. Zinnias are beautiful ornamental flowers.
Moss Rose
Portulaca grandiflora is a popular flowering annual native to South America. Moss rose has a hardy zone of 2-11 and grows 3-9 inches tall and 6-12 inches wide. Moss rose creates stunning carpets of attractive, medium-green succulent foliage.
From early summer to first frost, their foliage is covered in a profusion of brightly colored blooms resembling miniature roses. Moss roses thrive in areas with full sun and sandy, well-draining soil. Deeply water moss roses once per week to keep them blooming profusely.
Moss roses and petunias are popular choices for container gardens, hanging baskets, and bed borders. Moss roses and petunias also have similar water preferences. The entire plant of a moss rose is depurative.
It is used to treat hepatitis, cirrhosis of the liver with ascites, and swelling and pain in the pharynx.
Sweet Alyssum
Lobularia maritima is an herbaceous perennial native to Europe. Sweet alyssum is hardy to zones 5-9 and matures 3-9 inches tall and 6-12 inches wide. Sweet alyssum is a sweet but vigorous plant that produces slightly hairy, lance-shaped greyish-green foliage and forms a carpet of petite white, pink, or purple flowers during spring and fall.
Sweet alyssum plants thrive in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist and well-draining soil. Sweet alyssum is hardy to heat and drought; however, provide your sweet alyssum with one inch of water weekly. Sweet alyssum and petunias have similar sun, soil, and water requirements.
Sweet alyssum is used to treat cold, abdominal pain, and coughs.
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