Flowers

                                Are you thinking of planting petunias but want a few alternatives for your flower garden? Petunias are beautiful, but there are many reasons gardeners opt for different flowers in their garden. We love petunias (and all flowers) so we've curated the following list of flowers that closely resemble their petunia cousins.                                


                            By Jason White 
                                Last updated: November 7, 2022                                    |
                                6 min read

Petunias are one of the most popular annual flowers, and it’s no wonder why. They are easy to grow, bloom all summer, and come in a wide variety of colors. Petunias are a genus in the family Solanaceae, and there are about 35 species.

Petunias are native to South America. The most popular species is the common petunia (Petunia x hybrida), which is a hybrid of several species. All petunias have showy, trumpet-shaped flowers, and most have a strong fragrance.

They can be grown in plant zones 9 through 11. Petunias can grow as high as 18 inches tall and tend to spread rapidly with full sun but need water each week to thrive. They can live in various soil types but prefer it to be well-drained. If you’re looking for a flower that resembles a petunia, here are ten plants to consider.

Angelonia

  • Plant Type: Tender PerennialGeographic Origin: West Indies and MexicoPlant Size: 18 inches tallSun Exposure: Full sunPlant Zone: 9-11

Angelonia is a beautiful flower that looks similar to petunias but comes in gorgeous shades of purple, pink, and white. They make excellent additions to borders, containers, and hanging baskets.

Angelonias are easy-to-grow and drought-tolerant plants that bloom all summer long. They thrive best in full sun and well-drained soil. Be sure to deadhead the spent blossoms to encourage continuous blooming. Angelonia is one of the most eye-catching flowers in the bunch.

Cosmos

  • Plant Type: Tuberous PerennialGeographic Origin: South, Central, and North AmericaPlant Size: Up to 6 feet tall and 3 feet wideSun Exposure: Full sunPlant Zone: 2-11

Cosmos are a genus of annual and perennial plants that come in many different colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, white, and purple.

They are well known for their rich, bright shade of orange-yellow flowers. Cosmos are easy to grow and make excellent additions to borders, containers, and wildflower gardens.

They prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Cosmos are one of the few flowers that can tolerate heat and drought. To encourage continuous blooming, deadhead the spent blossoms. They require lots of water to thrive. Cosmos can be grown from seed or started from transplants.

They make excellent cut flowers and are often used in bouquets. Cosmos are fast-growing plants and have similar water needs to petunias. Plant them in groups for maximum effect.

Flax Flower

  • Plant Type: Annual, Sometimes PerennialGeographic Origin: Europe and AsiaPlant Size: Up to 3 feet tallSun Exposure: Full sunPlant Zone: 2-11

Flax Flowers are fast-growing annuals that produce beautiful, blue flowers. If you love mixing in blue flowers with your other favorites, these will make a great addition. They originated in Europe and Asia but can be grown in any zone that gets full sun.

Flax Flowers are easy to grow and make excellent cut flowers. To encourage continuous blooming, deadhead the spent blossoms. Flax Flowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil.

They can be grown in containers or the garden. Flax flowers are similar to petunias because they have similar soil requirements to thrive.

Impatiens

  • Plant Type: Tender PerennialGeographic Origin: Eurasia, New Guinea,Plant Size: Up to 36 inches tall and 3 feet wideSun Exposure: Partial to full shadePlant Zone: 2-11

Impatiens are a genus of flowering plants in the family Balsaminaceae. There are about 1,000 species, most of which are native to Eurasia, New Guinea, and Africa. The best-known species is the common impatiens (Impatiens walleriana), which are widely cultivated as a bedding plant.

Impatiens come in lots of beautiful shades, including pink, red, purple, white, and orange. They need to be watered regularly to grow healthy and bloom from spring to frost. Impatiens are an awesome choice for shady areas of the garden.

Impatiens are another petunia lookalike, with the difference being that they prefer cooler temperatures and shady areas.

Katie Ruellia

  • Plant Type: Herbaceous PerennialGeographic Origin: MexicoPlant Size: Up to 10 inches tall and 12 inches wideSun Exposure: Partial shade to full sunPlant Zone: 7-10

Katie Ruellia is a beautiful herbaceous perennial that produces pink or purple flowers. It is native to Mexico but can be grown in any zone that gets full sun. The flowers resemble petunias but come exclusively in pink and purple colors.

This is the perfect flower if you prefer these shades instead. Katie Ruellia is easy to grow and does well in containers or gardens. Katie Ruellia prefers partial shade to full sun and moist, well-drained soil. One thing to appreciate about this flower is that it can bloom all year round as long as they have the sun and water they need to thrive.

Mandevilla

  • Plant Type: PerennialGeographic Origin:Plant Size: Up to 10 feet tall and 4 feet wideSun Exposure: Partial shade to full sunPlant Zone: 10-11

Mandevilla is a beautiful flowering vine that produces red, pink, or white flowers. At first glance, it looks very tropical. However, it is actually relatively easy to grow in any zone that gets full sun.

Mandevilla needs support to climb on, such as a trellis, fence, or wall. It can also be grown in containers or the garden. Mandevilla prefers full sun and well-drained soil. To help them thrive, put mulch around the base of the plant to keep the soil moist.

Mandevilla prefers partial shade to full sun and well-drained soil. It is an excellent choice for container gardening or trellising. They can thrive in full sun and still live comfortably with partial shade exposure like petunias.

They are low-maintenance plants that are easy to grow. Deadheading works with this specimen as well.

Million Bells

  • Plant Type: PerennialGeographic Origin: South AmericaPlant Size: 3-9 inches tall and up to 2 feet wideSun Exposure: Partial to full sunPlant Zone: 9-11

Million Bells are beautiful, colorful, and low-maintenance annuals that look a lot like petunias but tend to have two leaves that are light pink and two leaves that are closer to a maroon color. They are entertaining to look at.

Million Bells are an incredible option for hanging baskets and containers due to their trailing habit. They also work wonderfully as ground covers in the spring. This flower, in particular, adds plenty of color to any garden.

They resemble small petunias and come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, purple, orange, and white. If you are familiar with caring for petunias, then you will have no trouble growing Million Bells as they have the same bloom periods and sun requirements.

Scented-Leaved Geraniums

  • Plant Type: PerennialGeographic Origin: South AfricaPlant Size: Up to 3 feet tall and 2 feet wideSun Exposure: Partial to full sunPlant Zone: 10-11

The Scented-Leaved Geranium is a beautiful, fragrant, and easy-to-grow perennial native to South Africa. It has large, attractive flowers in pink, red, and white shades. The leaves are also attractively fragrant, and the essential oil is used in aromatherapy.

Believe it or not, the oil is also used as an astringent as it has antibacterial properties. This plant is a fast grower and does well in containers. Scented-Leaved Geraniums resemble petunias and can be grown in partial to full sun.

The main difference is that Geraniums prefer cooler temperatures and will go dormant in the winter.

Tropical Hibiscus

  • Plant Type: PerennialGeographic Origin: AsiaPlant Size: Up to 10 feet tall and 8 feet wideSun Exposure: Full sunPlant Zone: 9-11

Tropical Hibiscus is a large, tropical perennial that is native to Asia. You’ll appreciate that the leaves stay green and attractive even when the bloom season is over. It features enormous, showy blooms in white, pink, red, and purple shades.

This Hibiscus is a fast-grower and can bloom year-round in warmer climates. It is a relatively low-maintenance plant, but it does require regular watering and occasional fertilization.

Tropical Hibiscus have similar sun requirements to petunias as well.

Violas

  • Plant Type: Short-Lived PerennialGeographic Origin: Northern HemispherePlant Size: up to 10 inches tall and 10 inches wideSun Exposure: Partial shade to full sunPlant Zone: 3-8

Violas are a genus of flowering plants in the family Violaceae. There are about 400 species, which are found throughout the Northern Hemisphere. They grow well in shady areas, and many species are found out in the wild.

Violas come in many colors, including blue, purple, yellow, white, and even black. They are similar to petunias in that they are annuals that can be grown from seed to flower in a single growing season.

Violas are one of the few flowers that can bloom in early spring and late fall. They are also one of the few flowers that can tolerate frost. Violas are easy to grow and make excellent additions to borders, containers, and rock gardens. They prefer cool temperatures and moist, well-drained soil.

Final Thoughts

There you have it, 10 beautiful flowers that look just like petunias. While petunias are a favorite garden flower, many other plants can provide similar beauty. If you’re looking for something different, consider planting one of these flowers in your garden. You won’t be disappointed. These flowers are easy to grow and make a great addition to any garden or landscape.

                        RELATED POSTS                        


            How to Collect and Save Seeds From Zinnia Flowers            


            How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Chrysanthemums in Your Garden            


            How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Clematis Flowers            


            41 Black Flowers and Plants You Can Plant in Your Garden