Classic

Petunia F1 ‘Wave® Purple’
All America Classic

Flower Judges were awestruck when they saw petunia entry 92F17. Unlike all other petunias in 1992, this entry did not grow vertically but grew along the soil like an ivy ground cover. When a Judge picked up a stem, it had rooted into the ground. By August, the stems radiated in all directions growing three to four feet and hugging the ground with a height of four to six inches. The totally unique plant habit, obvious vigor, and continuous flowering were traits previously unseen. The flower color was debated. Was it rose, magenta or purple? Finally in 1995, the petunia was introduced as an AAS Winner named, ‘Wave® Purple.’

A young flower breeder, Mr. Daigaku Takeshita, with Kirin Brewery Company, Ltd., had an idea to breed a new petunia with traits that would be irresistible to home gardeners. He searched the globe for wild petunia species that were strong plants, easy to grow, free flowering and not susceptible to disease problems. Crossing numerous petunia species, he selected offspring with superior garden qualities. During the crossing and selection phase of breeding, his number one priority was garden performance. After several years, he was asked to prove that his petunias were superior to others on the market. With faith in his abilities, Mr. Takeshita entered into the AAS Trial. His petunia was recognized as an AAS Winner with genuine, credible new traits unavailable in any other petunia on the market. Mr. Takeshita was given the All-America Selections Breeders’ Cup Trophy because of the impact ‘Wave® Purple’ made on annual flowers and the renewed gardening interest in the entire genus.