This plant is not an annual as it comes back every spring and blooms all summer into fall (still going strong). It sure seems to be a petunia, but no one planted it that we know of (it is in the ground underneath a planter box at a local bicycle shop). The flowers are very long and tubular. It would be fun to find out what it really is. Thanks, Beachie
As I understand it, most of the cultivated Petunias are not true annuals (germinate - grow leaves - flower - set seed - die...all in one year). If they are not killed by cold, or cold & wet, they will live for several years... a perennial in other words. I do not know the hardiness zome for Cannon Beach, but I suspect it would be around 9. In a sheltered spot this one is a happy camper. Quite a number of the "annuals" we brow in colder climes are perennials, shrubs or even trees in their original warmer habitats. Clip it when it's raggedy in the winter. Fertilize it in the Spring. Give it a blanket & a hot-water bottle on real cold nights (just kidding!). gb.
Sorry - forgot the identity thing. I don't know my petunias very well, but it could be "Shockwave" or similar. Compare it to the labelled ones in the garden centre next Spring. gb
Thanks for the thoughts, glass brain. We are in a maritime climate here, so the winters are not usually very severe. The location of the plant is also somewhat protected, in a courtyard surrounded by other buildings, but exposed to the wind. The petunias I get from the local nursery in the spring never make it through the winters, however, so I thought this one was unusual. Perhaps not. Also, the flowers are quite a bit longer than ordinary petunias, and not as pure in color. I will keep my eye on it this winter, and hope to see it again in the spring.
...propagate it...there may be fame & fortune waiting...or a lawsuit from the copyright holder! Petunia vs Monsanto. I didn't realize it was so distinct from the other bedding plants you use. I'd come & see it, but I don't think I can afford to stay in Cannon Beach any more, like we did in the '70s. You probably can't camp up a side road anymore either. gb.
Glass brain, You're right about not being able to camp up a side road, but there are still good folks here who would let you camp in their yard. Even staying at the campgrounds isn't too expensive. I had to do that one summer because I was living in a 9 mo. rental and had to be out for the summer. Back to the petunia. I will look into propagating a cutting. Good idea. Thanks for the reply. Beachie
