Petunia exserta
Petunia exserta is a rare Brazilian species best known for red flowers with stamens that extend beyond the petals. It stands out because it is naturally pollinated by hummingbirds and lacks floral scent. Plants flower best in full sun and well‑drained soil and make striking summer displays. Garden use is mainly as an annual in warm, protected sites. It can be grown in containers so blooms are visible and accessible to hummingbirds.
At‑a‑glance
- Group/Class: species
- Height × spread: unknown / varies by climate
- Bloom window: summer to fall in warm conditions
- Color & flower form: red, tubular to funnel‑shaped with exserted stamens
- Fragrance: 0 none
- USDA hardiness: grown as annual in most regions
- Breeder / Year / Origin: wild species, Brazil
- Pet safety: safe
How it differs
- Only Petunia species known to be hummingbird‑pollinated in the wild.
- Naturally red flowers rather than purple or white.
- No floral scent, unlike night‑scented species.
- Best impact in warm sites with regular feeding.
Strengths
- Attracts hummingbirds in summer.
- Distinctive color and floral form.
- Works well in containers and sunny borders.
Care in one minute
- Grow in full sun and well‑drained soil.
- Irrigate when the top inch is dry; do not overwater.
- Fertilize every 2 to 3 weeks for continuous bloom.
- Pinch or shear if stems elongate to maintain shape.
- Protect from cold snaps and strong winds.
Watch‑outs
- Limited cold tolerance; treat strictly as an annual.
- Budworm caterpillars can damage buds in late summer.
- Seed may be variable; plants not always uniform.
Best uses (tags)
containers, borders, pollinators, heat‑tolerant, summer display
Provenance note
Discovered and described in the late 20th century in the Serras de Sudeste of southern Brazil; noted for hummingbird pollination and absence of scent.
References
- Royal Horticultural Society – Petunia exserta profile
- New York Botanical Garden Plant Talk – Petunias Rare and Red
- Berardi et al. 2021 – Complex evolution of red floral color in Petunia
- ASPCA – Petunia (non‑toxic to pets)
Written by: Your Flowers Guide editorial team
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