Searching for flowers that look like petunias but have different characteristics? Whatever the reason you’re looking for a substitute, you’ve come to the right place!
In this post, I’ll provide you with a list of 10 plants that resemble petunias to choose between them. I’ll share all the information you need to know about each option so you can make an informed choice.
Let’s jump right into it!
1 – Calibrachoa (Mini Petunias)
It’s no surprise that Calibrachoas, best known as mini petunias, top this list.
Baby petunias are flowers that exactly resemble petunias but are notably smaller in size. But despite their similar appearance, each of these plants belongs to a distinct species.
This beautiful, colorful plant is low maintenance, which makes it a great option for busy gardeners. It produces flowers in a wide variety of colors: white, red, orange, purple, and pink, among others.
You can grow these flowers in a container or hanging basket or even as a ground cover in the spring.
The best thing about this plant is that its sun requirement and bloom periods are no different from that of petunias. So, if you’re familiar with petunia caring, you’ll have an easy time growing Calibrachoa.
Essential Facts About Calibrachoa
| Genus name | Calibrachoa |
| Height | 6-12 inches |
| Width | 12-16 inches |
| Blooming time | Spring to Fall |
| Foliage color | Dark green |
| Flower color | Orange, pink, red, purple, white, yellow, blue |
2 – Flax Flower
Flax flowers are one of my favorites on the list, as they add that blue brightness I always look for in my garden. If you’re into blue-colored flowers like me, this plant will be your way to go.
The originally Mediterranean and Asian flowers are fast-growing and can fit any location that receives full sunlight.
They’re easy to grow because of their low maintenance requirement. You only need to focus on providing them with well-drained soil and full sun.
You can grow flax flowers in your garden or in containers.
Essential Facts About Flax Flower
| Genus name | Linum perenne |
| Height | 1-3 Feet |
| Width | 9-18 Inches |
| Blooming time | Late spring to mid-summer |
| Foliage color | Green |
| Flower color | Blue |
3 – Cosmos
With their various color options, cosmos can add an out-of-the-world beauty touch to your garden. This petunia-like flower comes in orange, white, pink, purple, and yellow variations known for its rich shades.
It’s a fast grower and can flower within 50 days of germination if you probably care for it.
You can grow cosmos plants in containers, add them to your garden, or use them as borders. They also make excellent flowers for bouquets.
To ensure they’ll thrive in your backyard, provide them with full sun, plenty of water, and well-drained soil.
Essential Facts About Cosmos
| Genus name | Cosmos spp. |
| Height | 1-6 Feet |
| Width | 1-2 Feet |
| Blooming time | From midsummer to the first frost of fall |
| Foliage color | Blue or green |
| Flower color | Pink, red, orange, white, yellow |
4 – Katie Ruellia
Originating from Mexico, the fourth petunia alternative on the list is Katie Ruellia. If you’re into pink and purple shades, this plant should definitely be on your wish list.
This exquisite herbaceous perennial produces eye-catching purple and pink flowers resembling petunia.
Katie Ruellia requires low maintenance, and you can grow it easily in your garden or containers. It thrives in partial shade and moist but well-drained soil.
Essential Facts About Katie Ruellia
| Genus name | Ruellia brittoniana |
| Height | 1-3 Inches |
| Width | 2-3 Inches |
| Blooming time | From spring until frost |
| Foliage color | Deep green |
| Flower color | Pink and blue-purple hue |
5 – Angelonia
A purple and pink flower enthusiast? The eye-catching angelonia plant is another excellent petunias-like flower with gorgeous shades of white, purple, and pink.
You can use them as a border or add them to a container or hanging baskets. They can boost the beauty of your garden with their all-summer-long blooming.
These flowers are easy to grow and can survive in drought conditions. They’ll look the best when you provide them with full sun and well-drained soil.
Essential Facts About Angelonia
| Genus name | Angelonia |
| Height | 1-3 Feet |
| Width | 1-2 Feet |
| Blooming time | From late spring until early fall |
| Foliage color | Blue and green |
| Flower color | Purple, red, white, blue, pink |
6 – Impatiens
If you’re looking for petunia alternatives that thrive in cool temperatures and shady areas, consider impatiens flowers.
There are over 1,000 species of impatiens spread all around the world.
They come in various gorgeous shades, including purple, white, orange, pink, and red. They require regular watering, so they bloom from spring to frost.
Essential Facts About Impatiens
| Genus name | Impatiens |
| Height | 1-3 Feet |
| Width | 1-3 Feet |
| Blooming time | Spring and summer |
| Foliage color | From medium to dark green |
| Flower color | Red, pink, purple, violet, white, orange, yellow, peach, apricot |
7 – Scented-Leaf Geraniums
The scented-leaved geranium is a fast-growing plant that can grow perfectly in gardens or containers. It produces large, attractive flowers featuring pink, white, and red shades.
Besides its outstanding look, it’s also a fragrant plant that adds light fruit and citrus aroma to the space.
This South African native plant starts to bloom from late spring all the way to the end of the summer. It then goes dormant in winter.
Essential Facts About Scented-Leaf Geraniums
| Genus name | Pelargonium |
| Height | 1-3 Feet |
| Width | 1-2 Feet |
| Blooming time | From late spring till the end of summer |
| Foliage color | Lime green, gray-green, deep green, silvery, cream, gold |
| Flower color | Pink, white |
8 – Violas
Like petunias, violas are annuals that can fully grow in a single season and start to bloom with stunning flowers. You can find over 400 species of violas around the Northern Hemisphere.
These plants produce flowers in various colors, including yellow, blue, white, and purple. There’s even a viola variation that comes in black.
They’re easy to grow in containers, gardens, or even on borders. Violas thrive in moist, cold temperatures with well-drained, nutrient-rich soil.
Essential Facts About Violas
| Genus name | Viola |
| Height | 2-12 Inches |
| Width | 4-10 Inches |
| Blooming time | Spring, with some species blooming in summer and early fall |
| Foliage color | Light green |
| Flower color | Pink, yellow, white, blue, black |
9 – Mandevilla
The vibrant pink, red, and white flowers of mandevilla make it a lovely addition to any space. You can grow these low-maintenance plants in a container or a garden.
It’s a climber, so you’ll need to provide it with a trellis or fence to climb on as it grows!
Although it looks like a tropical plant, it can thrive in any place with full sun. It can also live in partial shade, similar to petunias.
Mandevilla thrives in high humidity levels. To provide it with the required humidity, add a bit of mulch near the base of the plant.
This will keep the soil moist for an extended period after watering. Nonetheless, you’ll also need to provide it with well-drained soil to prevent overwatering.
Essential Facts About Mandevilla
| Genus name | Mandevilla |
| Height | 3-10 Feet |
| Width | 3-6 Feet |
| Blooming time | From late spring to frost |
| Foliage color | Glossy green |
| Flower color | Pink, white, red |
10 – Tropical Hibiscus
Tropical hibiscus is your best petunia alternative if you live in a warm climate. In such a climate, you’ll enjoy its blooming all year round.
This large tropical perennial has leaves that stay green all year round. So, it will partially maintain its beautiful look even if it doesn’t bloom year-round.
This plant is a fast grower and features large, showy blooms in purple, pink, orange, white, and red shades.
It requires moderate maintenance; you’ll only need to provide it with occasional fertilizing and regular watering. It also has sun requirements similar to those of petunias.
Essential Facts About Tropical Hibiscus
| Genus name | Hibiscus |
| Height | 8-15 Feet |
| Width | 4-8 Feet |
| Blooming time | All year round in warm climates – From spring to late fall in colder climates |
| Foliage color | Light green |
| Flower color | Purple, pink, red, orange, yellow, white |
Final Thoughts
Now you have a long list of flowers that look like petunias! No matter why you want to replace petunias with other plants, these options make great substitutes.
Take a close look at each and pick what perfectly meets your color preferences and garden style. In addition, consider the available space and your area’s climate to make the best choice.
Hopefully, this post has provided you with all the information you were looking for.
Happy gardening!
Growing up with a mom who filled her home (inside and out) with all sorts of plants, Lisa got her start in gardening at a young age. Living now on her own with a home and yard full of plants (including an indoor greenhouse), she shares all the gardening tips she’s gained over the years.