Petunia Surfinia Sumo Rose

Petunia Surfinia Sumo Rose is an variety introduced in 2016 that possesses all the characteristics of a superlative plant. It has exceptional vigour, making it a magnificent giant, completely covered with very large bright pink flowers overflowing from its container in less than two months. With faster growth than other surfinias and double the floribundity, this extraordinary variety is becoming a star on terraces and balconies, especially since it is easy to grow even in hot weather.

Petunia belongs to the solanaceae family; it is closely related to ornamental tobacco and its foliage also contains alkaloids. The Surfinia Petunia is a fairly recent, sterile hybrid of petunia with a trailing and weeping habit, which makes it a magnificent plant for hanging baskets. It was created in Japan and is distinguished by its beautiful and very long flowering. The 'Sumo' series, developed in Japan, displays has rapid and vigorous growth, with a dense cushion shape and large, 6-7 cm (2-3in) wide flowers in very bright colours.

Petunia Surfinia 'Sumo Rose' forms a bushy and trailing clump that reaches 50 cm (20in) high and 1m (3ft) in diameter. The plant flowers from June to October, provided that faded flowers are regularly removed and it is regularly fed. Its large, cup-shaped flowers are very bright and fresh pink, tightly packed together on all of the dense foliage. The small centre of the corolla is marked with black. The vigorous and healthy, hairy foliage is wider than other varieties with entire edges and a dark green colour. This variety has exceptional growth and tolerates heat well.

No other annual flowering plant has been subjected to such intense selection by breeders for such a long period. The results are impressive and petunias compete with geraniums for the splendour and length of their flowering, as evidenced by this vigorous Surfinia Sumo Rose variety. Plant it in large pots or hanging baskets, creating a perfect contrast with dark blue Surfinia petunias. You can also plant it in flower beds, to edge borders of plants with grey foliage such as cerastiums, cinerarias, or artemisias. If you want it to stand out, plant several to create an original ground cover at the base of plants with grey foliage such as nepetas faasseni or pastel-coloured annual poppies.

Note: Please be aware that plug plants are products intended for experienced gardeners: upon receipt, transplant and store them in sheltered areas (veranda, greenhouse, cold frame...) at a temperature above 14°C (57.2°F) for a few weeks before being planted outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.