The dazzling blooms and the vibrant foliage of galaxy flowers make them an absolute showstopper. With spectacular petals that depict the captivating scene of the night sky, these cosmic flowers can leave anyone spellbound with their interstellar beauty and mesmerizing hues.
Although these celestial blossoms may look like a gift from outer space, they were first created in Italy by breeding two species of a flowering plant. Their deep purple petals are sprinkled with a dusting of white spots, reminding one of a starry night in all its breathtaking glory.
Over the past few years, these gorgeous blooms have begun dominating the social media feeds of gardeners in most parts of the world. You can also find galaxy flowers hanging from plant baskets or cascading over stone walls in warmer regions that receive plenty of sunshine for most of the year.
So, what are these spectacular flowers, and where do they come from? Keep on reading to find out.
What is a Galaxy Flower?
The botanical name of galaxy flower is Petunia Night Sky – and yes, it is a type of petunia[1] .
This unique flower is a stunning creation of an Italian plant breeder, a hybrid of two petunia cultivars. Galaxy flowers became commercially available in 2016 and also managed to snag the prestigious FleuroStar Award for their enthralling appearance.
While these flowers certainly have a dramatic flair, they are not as high maintenance as most people mistake them to be. You can easily give your garden a complete makeover by growing this majestic plant in your flowerbed. If you don’t have a garden, these flowers can grow equally well in window boxes and hanging baskets, adding a pop of bright color to the dull and dreary corners of your home.
Like most types of petunias, galaxy flowers are also annuals and only last until the end of the growing season. Nonetheless, you can increase their lifespan with proper care and affection and ensure the flowers continue to bloom until the frost begins to set in.
What Gives This Flower Its Cosmic Appearance?
The vivid colors of these trumpet-shaped flowers are significantly influenced by their environment.
Most experts recommend planting galaxy petunias in cooler temperatures after the last frost, so they produce cosmic blooms with a delectable white pattern that resembles shimmering stars. As the temperature gets warm, the white specks on the petals will begin to fade. If it gets too hot, you may end up with a purple petunia with no specks or dots.
Although you can grow galaxy petunias both outdoors and indoors, it is essential to make sure these plants receive ample sunlight during the day and enjoy a cool temperature at night. If you have planted these blossoms in your backyard, you may have to wait until the end of the summer to watch your galaxy flowers unveil their galactic beauty.
Characteristics of Galaxy Flowers
Here are some of the most noteworthy characteristics of galaxy flowers:
- You can find these funnel-shaped flowers in different shades of purple with splashes of white
- The plant features lush green foliage with sessile leaves
- The Petunia Night Sky flowers bloom in the early summer and late spring season
- It is an insect-pollinated plant that may grow upright like a shrub or trail down the side of its container
- These beautiful plants can grow as tall as 14 inches in an average outdoor environment
- Galaxy petunias get their name from their celestial appearance
- This flowering plant is not toxic to humans or animals
How to Grow Galaxy Flowers
Let’s look at some useful tips on how to grow galaxy flowers.
Provide Ample Sunlight
Galaxy petunias need full sun to bloom. Therefore, you should consider planting them in a location that receives at least five to six hours of bright sunlight every day.
If you plant these majestic blossoms in a shaded area, the plant will most likely become leggy. In other words, the foliage will not remain healthy and won’t produce many flowers.
Refrain from Overwatering
Nothing will kill your galaxy flowers quicker than overwatering.
Typically, watering these plants once a week is more than enough. However, if you live in a particularly hot climate or have placed your flowers in a hanging container, you may want to increase your watering frequency.
It is a good practice to check the top two layers of the soil for moisture. If the potting medium feels wet, you can hold off on watering the plant. Alternatively, if the soil is completely dry, consider watering it as soon as possible.
Keep It Warm and Cozy
These exceptionally charming plants thrive in warmer regions. However, their ideal temperature ranges between 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit during the night.
In addition, Petunia Night Sky enjoys average humidity. Hence you don’t have to worry about investing in a humidifier to keep this captivating plant alive.
Choose a Well-Draining Soil
Galaxy petunias flourish in loamy and well-drained soil. To ensure your plant grows well, you can buy a rich potting medium from a nearby nursery or gardening center.
It is also recommended to buy a container with an adequate drainage hole at the bottom, so your houseplant doesn’t develop root rot due to excess water.
Use an Organic Fertilizer
Petunias are not heavy feeders. However, if you want the flowers to last for months, consider feeding them a slow-release fertilizer every two weeks or so.
Make Sure to Prune
Don’t forget to pinch back the leggy stems and remove dead flowers from the plant for healthier growth. Regular pruning will also encourage new leaves and blooms, provided your plant is receiving enough sunlight and water.
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On a Final Note
If you are looking for ways to up your gardening game or boost your house’s curb appeal, galaxy petunias can prove to be a useful companion. These bright and intriguing flowers look like they hold all the secrets of the universe in their delicate petal. So rest assured, they will become the envy of all your guests and neighbors.
Furthermore, you can grow galaxy flowers from seeds or buy a small plant from a nursery. Either way, you won’t have much trouble growing the plant due to its easy-going and relatively low-maintenance nature.
Can link the petunia growing guide
