Seaside petunia (Calibrachoa parviflora, Phytologia 67: 465 (1989))

Family: Solanaceae

Author: (Juss.) D’Arcy

Bibliography: Phytologia 67: 465 (1989)

Year: 1989

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Calibrachoa

Vegetable: False

Observations: SW. Utah to Mexico, S. Brazil to S. South America

Description

The Seaside Petunia, also known scientifically as Calibrachoa parviflora, is a charming and versatile plant native to several regions spanning from southwestern Utah to Mexico, and further south from Brazil to the southern parts of South America. This hardy member of the Solanaceae family has been carefully documented and described, notably in Phytologia (volume 67, page 465) in 1989 by its scientific authority, Jussieu (Juss.), and later classified by D’Arcy.

Growing in diverse environments across the Americas, the Seaside Petunia thrives particularly well in sandy, coastal areas, hence its common name. The plant is distinguished by its small, vibrant flowers which bloom in a variety of colors, adding a splash of beauty to otherwise rugged landscapes. These flowers, often appearing in purple, pink, and occasionally white hues, are known for their ability to attract pollinators, making them an excellent choice for gardeners looking to support local ecosystems.

The Seaside Petunia is not just admired for its ornamental value; it exhibits impressive resilience to salty soils and coastal winds, making it a robust option for landscaping in challenging coastal environments. Its sprawling growth habit can provide effective ground cover, helping to prevent soil erosion while offering aesthetic appeal.

In addition to its ecological benefits, Calibrachoa parviflora is relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal care once established. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some partial shade, and it is moderately drought-resistant, needing only occasional watering once settled into its environment. This ease of care, combined with its attractive appearance, makes the Seaside Petunia a favored choice for both novice and experienced gardeners alike.

Whether utilized in garden borders, hanging baskets, or as part of a larger landscape design, the Seaside Petunia offers a blend of beauty and durability. Its ability to flourish in varied conditions and its contribution to supporting local wildlife ensure that this plant remains a valuable and beloved addition to gardens across its native range.

Common Names

Deu: kleinblütige petunie
Spa: petunia de flor chica
Eng: seaside petunia, wild petunia
En: Seaside petunia, Wild petunia, Seaside-Petunia
Fi: Nappipetunia
De: Kleinblütige Petunie
Es: Petunia de flor chica

Synonyms

• Nierembergia viscidula (Kunth)
• Namation glandulosum ((Peter) Brand)
• Leptophragma prostrata (Benth. ex Dunal)
• Leptophragma montevidensis (Benth. ex Dunal)
• Petunia parviflora var. villosa (Dunal)
• Petunia parviflora (Juss.)
• Nama glandulosa (Peter)
• Petunia villadiana (Bárcena ex Hemsl.)
• Lindernia montevidensis (Spreng.)
• Brachyanthes nierembergiensis (Cham. ex Dunal)
• Nicotiana parviflora ((Juss.) Lehm.)
• Petunia parviflora var. glabriuscula (Dunal)
• Petunia viscidula (Miers)
• Calibrachoa procumbens (Cerv.)
• Salpiglossis prostrata (Hook. & Arn.)
• Calibrachoa mexicana (Lex.)
• Salpiglossis sinuata (Hook. & Arn. ex Miers)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Argentina South (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• California (native)
• Chile Central (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Nevada (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Texas (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Utah (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• New Mexico (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New York (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken May 6, 2021 by Ele79na (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 24, 2021 by High Treeson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2020 by fru1925 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 7, 2021 by Irwin Tang (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 5, 2021 by Emina Ribic (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2021 by Stephanie Giordano (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 30, 2021 by Anri Wilke (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2020 by Isabelle Relaix (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2021 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken May 14, 2020 by Loreti Pietro (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2020 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2020 by Thierry LE COM (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 31, 2022 by friedrich horak (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2022 by Tristan Jaton-Maria (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 8, 2022 by Caw Vus (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2020 by Eli Small (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 9, 2016 by EOL − estefaniafernandez (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 18, 2017 by Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2928905)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:947472-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Calibrachoa parviflora (Juss.) D’Arcy)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth