Corpus Christi Caller Times Caller.com - New 'Bush' petunia will survive the harsh heat

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Saturday, May 5, 2001
New 'Bush' petunia will survive the harsh heat

Easy care and long-term color head the wish list for our landscape plants, particularly annual color. Heat resistance and full-sun tolerance are also high priorities. If it seems like you can't find this combination, look no further. The Laura Bush petunia is just what the lawn doctor ordered. This selection is the newest Texas Superstar from the Agriculture Program at Texas A&M University. Born and bred in Texas, the variety is named in honor of our nation's newest First Lady. Texas A&M horticulturists have done extensive testing of petunias and their scientific data indicate that the Laura Bush provides consistently high performance in landscapes across the state.
   In tests at the Corpus Christi Botanical Gardens, it withstood the blazing heat of last summer and continues to do well this spring, having extended life from bottom shoots on the original plants and from reseeding.
   The Laura Bush petunia is a hybrid between VIP (Violet In Profusion petunia) and the old-fashion petunia, containing the best traits from both. It is actually a reseeding annual petunia having a wealth of fragrant violet flowers on a vigorous, heat-tolerant plant that spreads to 36 inches around and is about 24 inches tall. The violet color of the blossoms is so vibrant that they practically glow.
   Lasting blooms
   "Many modern petunias have been bred for cool weather, and suffer in our summer heat," explains Dr. Steve George, Extension Horticulture Specialist and Texas Superstar Coordinator. "(The) Laura Bush, however, has the wonderful ability to bloom from spring until frost, even through the 100 degree days of our typical Texas summers."
   This outstanding new plant also offers greater soil tolerance than most other petunias. It does well in almost any soil type, even our highly alkaline South Texas clays and beach sands with the addition of some organic matter. The plant also has no serious disease or insect problems. That in means there is minimal need for pesticides.
   This plant prefers day-long direct sun (7 hours minimum) and well-drained, fertile soils. Water only when the soil is dry to a depth of one inch. Watering too frequently will kill any petunia.
   Cut back
   Each month throughout the growing season, it is very important to cut the plants back by 20 percent (with hedge shears or power string trimmer) and fertilize lightly. Do not be concerned that you are removing some flowers, as the plants will quickly rebloom just days after shearing. Remember, this monthly haircut is vital to maintaining the health and vigor of this plant.
   Good supplies of Laura Bush petunia are now available at many nurseries and garden centers throughout the state. If you don't see it, ask the staff to order it for you.
   Make sure that the plants you buy have the Texas Superstar label in the containers - this is your assurance that you are purchasing plant types that have proven themselves in A&M studies across the state. For more information, including color photographs on the Laura Bush petunia and other Texas Superstar selections, go on-line to.

Michael Womack is a horticulturist with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. Got a question? Michael Womack will answer landscape and gardening questions. Call 886-4648, category 3025 to record your question. Write Keep It Green, Corpus Christi Caller-Times, P.O. Box 9136, Corpus Christi, TX 78469 or email wm-womack@tamu.edu

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