Last year, I stumbled upon something remarkable—something that had been quietly thriving for decades, unnoticed by most. It was a small group of petunias growing wild in my great aunt’s backyard. Their blooms came in shades of pink, white, and purple, weaving themselves through the grass and brush like they had always belonged there. Curious and intrigued, I asked if I could take one home to study. She happily agreed, knowing that her humble backyard held what may be one of the most resilient variety of petunias that I have ever encountered.
As I began observing the plant, I quickly realized it was unlike the modern petunia cultivars sold in most garden centers. This one was different. It survived our intense East Texas heat with no watering or care. It flourished in dry spells that would wilt most annuals. It even displayed unique traits such as multi-colored flowers. And—most notably—it reseeded itself vigorously, returning in greater numbers each season like a hardy wildflower.
At the time of writing this article, the exact genetic lineage of this petunia remains a mystery. Its origin is unknown, and there is no official name or pedigree to speak of. All I know for sure is that it has been growing undisturbed on that property for over 20 years, possibly much longer. Through years of adaptation, natural selection, and likely some genetic drift, it has developed into what horticulturists refer to as a varietal—a naturally distinct group within a species that expresses unique and stable traits across generations.
Initially, I suspected it might be a varietal of the old climbing petunias—garden hybrids that were once popular for their sprawling habit and colorful blooms. But I remain uncertain. It could be a remnant of an old cultivar long forgotten, or perhaps a natural hybrid that emerged and persisted through pure chance. Either way, its characteristics are consistent, and its performance in our East Texas climate is exceptional.
With all this in mind, I have started the process of propagation and selective breeding. My goal is to stabilize the best traits—resilience, beauty, self-seeding ability, and heat tolerance—while encouraging consistent color and habit. It will take time, but I believe this could be the beginning of something special.
Here is a selection of pictures I have taken from my plants in propagation:
Images may be subject to copyright and are not for use without permission from Gen1 Greenhouse founder, Caleb Jones.
Stay tuned for next year, when these backyard survivors may finally make their way into the gardens of others who appreciate tough, beautiful plants with a story behind them. If you know someone who might be interested, please share this article—and thank you for supporting the journey of discovery and growth here at Gen1 Greenhouse.
— Caleb,
Founder of Gen1 Greenhouse