The Fast-Spreading Petunia Variety That Looks Stunning In Hanging Baskets

Hanging baskets are the unsung heroes of maximizing small outdoor spaces. Don't have the square footage to support garden beds or raised containers? Hanging baskets instead utilize that prime vertical real estate of your patio or deck, freeing up space for foot traffic while still giving you the ability to cultivate a colorful, vibrant garden. They're also quite easy to care for, a bonus for gardeners who may wish for accessibility without bending or kneeling. When it comes to choosing the right plants there are several plants that you can grow in hanging baskets, including this fast-growing petunia variety.

Easy Wave petunias (Petunia x hybrida 'Easy Wave') are a long-blooming variety of petunia that thrives when added to containers around your garden, including hanging baskets. They come in a variety of colors ranging from pink or red to purple to blue, and with the right care, you can enjoy these blooms throughout the summer. One of the reasons that you may wish to consider growing Easy Wave petunias in a hanging basket versus directly in your yard is because of their spreading habits. Although Easy Wave petunias tend to be more controlled than other Wave varieties, they're still fast-spreading. While they may only grow up to around 12 inches in height, they can easily spread to around 32 inches in width. As a result, choosing a container allows you to show off these stunning blooms without the worry of them overwhelming other plants in your garden.

Fortunately, most care requirements for Easy Wave petunias varieties are quite similar, with the main differences between varieties being coloration. They're also overall easy to grow, as well as durable, with the ability to handle the heat of summers and also the milder temperatures of spring. However, their tolerance for temperature fluctuations doesn't expand their hardiness much, with varieties like the Pink Passion Easy Wave petunia being winter-hardy only in USDA growing zones 10 and 11. As a result, many people choose to grow these plants as annuals instead, although you could choose to overwinter them indoors when growing in a hanging basket.

As an added bonus to growing Easy Wave petunias in a hanging basket, you'll have more control of soil specifications. This can be helpful considering the fact that they can be a bit picky. First, they prefer soil that is on the acidic side rather than alkaline. They also need ample drainage. However, you'll also want to ensure that their soil remains moist. This can be more challenging in containers where soil tends to dry out faster, which is important to know before planting these petunias. 

There are also a few factors to consider for optimal growth. First, choose a location for your hanging baskets where your Easy Wave petunias can receive full sun throughout the day. Next, you can also fertilize them throughout the growing season. This, paired with regularly deadheading any lackluster or spent blooms, encourages continued growth for a long blooming season.