This garden favorite is a hybrid species, a result of crossbreeding between the large white or night-scented petunia (P. axillaris) and the violet-flowered petunia (P. integrifolia), along with other members of the petunia complex. The vast majority of petunias available for ornamental use in home gardens are of this type​. A wealth of cultivars exists, offering a myriad of forms and colors. A few are winners of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. The flowers themselves are edible, offering a mild flavor that complements salads or serves as a decorative garnish.
Photographed in Ibagué, Colombia.