Petunia Itsy series

* Common name: Petunia Itsy series

* Botanical name: Petunia x hybrida Itsy

* What it is: Itsy is a three-color series of small-flowered hybrid petunias that are some of the most vigorous bloomers yet. Plants are nearly covered in self-cleaning blooms that keep coming throughout the season.

   The series has been among the top performers of all flowers in trials at Penn State’s Trial Gardens in Lancaster County.

   Colors include Itsy Magenta, Itsy Pink, and Itsy White.

* Size: 4 to 6 inches tall with a trailing habit of 18 to 24 inches wide.

* Where to use: These petunias do equally well in the ground, in pots, or in hanging baskets. Full sun is best, although they’ll also perform reasonably well in light shade.

* Care: Plant in compost-rich, well-drained soil and water often enough to keep the soil consistently damp. Fertilize monthly with a flower fertilizer or add time-release pellets (i.e. Osmocote) at planting.

   In pots and baskets, check for water daily and fertilize half-strength every other watering.

   Snip back any too-long shoots any time. No need to deadhead; plants are self-cleaning. Yank after frost kills the plants in fall.

* Great partner: Itsy petunias are strong enough growers to man a pot or basket alone. Otherwise, a dark-leaf cordyline or a burgundy-leafed fountain grass makes a good upright color contrast. Mass them by themselves in the ground for a colorful blanket.