I'm trying the Laura Bush ones this year because they're a Texas Superstar plant and recommended to handle our heat. So far so good, but it's not hot yet. :)

Here is a link that might be useful: Texas Superstars

I guess it doesn't let you edit posts. Here is the direct link to the Laura Bush Petunia Superstar page.

Here is a link that might be useful: Laura Bush Petunia

The nursery has some Laura Bush Petunias and I have started some wave petunias from seed. I guess the best way to do it is just to pick up some LB and compare how they both grow in our area.
Thank you for link birdbite.

I purchased a few of each last year. I had better luck with the tidal wave....as a matter of fact the Laura Bush petunias were pulled out in August because they were runty looking. I haven't seen any volunteer seedlings from the LB, but I have several volunteer seedlings of the tidal wave and they are already blooming. My daughter purchased several colors of the tidal wave when I purchased mine and hers went thru the summer, fall, and winter and are spectacular for her this spring.
molly

Hey Sunny,
she lives in the woodlands. Hers are planted in raised beds with moderate water and good garden soil. Although the plants never died, they did go thru a kind of dormant period (I believe late summer and winter) when they didn't bloom, but just started cranking up the blooms this february again.
molly

Thanks Molly. I think I am going to try some in pots first to see how they do. I can move them around to try and find the perfect spot for them. I am envy of those gardeners farther north who have them growing all summer long.

I live a lot further north than you, but I've grown both Laura Bush & Tidal Wave petunias. The Tidal Wave petunias did excellent and I have already planted them again this year (also Hurrah petunias). The Laura Bush petunias did great until the heat of summer hit, then they dwindled away to pretty much nothing. And I don't remember them being as fragrant as the Wave petunias (they smell great). The Wave petunias are amazingly tough ... for a petunia.

Randy

wow - I wish I had known that the tidal wave petunias were best! I just bought the Laura Bush petunias because they were a superstar plant. Next year I'll have to remember to try the tidal wave instead!

Has anyone played with others in the wave series such as easy wave or shock wave?
I have had great success with Laura Bush and have had it reseed each of the last two years and this year because it was milder than norm it never fully froze back in the container. Should be blooming in a few weeks again!
Happy Planting David

Hi Margie. For me, any petunias I plant, get to looking real straggly by Aug. I pull 'em up and replant in early Oct., although the selection at that time of year isn't the best. The petunias in this picture, taken on the 4th of March, are just garden variety, no name, that I can remember, petunias that I planted last fall.
Jim

Jim, have you tried the LB or the Wave petunias yet? I was told by an employer at Maas that if I do get the Wave that it is best to get the original plant.(the first type put out) The more the plant is hybridize the more it looses in the process.

Gosh Jim do you mean any petunia will last till Aug for you? If that is the case than the Waves or the LB should really do good. I plant petunias in the fall so I have color all though the winter.

I have also heard the LB reseeds the best. You wouldn't want the Wave to anyway as it is hybridize an no telling what you will get.

OK Jim. I am anxious to see all the new improvements you have made in your yard. In a couple of months I do believe another visit is due. If I can ever catch this darn armadillo that is tearing up our yard I can finish mine up and have you and Pat over.
Billy and I just hauled in 6 yards of leaf compost from Nature's Way in Conroe. We had to unload all see yards by ourself to. Oh our aching bones!

Margie, if you're rested up, I've got 15yds. of 'garden soil' coming tomorrow! I'm taking everything in the backyard into flower beds, except for 3' paths. I had planned to put down pavers on the paths, but ran out of rat hole money. The pavers will have to wait til next year.

I have tried the original 'Wave' petunias and they did real good. 'Laura Bush' I haven't tried.
Jim

You need to tell Mary Allen how many yards you are bringing in. A landscaper told her she needs 20 yards for her backyard and she doesn't believe it. Did you get a chance to see her backyard at her new place? It needs at least that much. I don't think she believes me either.
15 yards? I tell you what I will help you with. As I sit back and sip tea with Pat I will do a cheer of encouragement,"Only 14 more to go!" Let me know when you are done and I will pay you a visit. (LOL)