I had given up planting petunias. They seemed to be everywhere without any help from me. Years ago I grew them from seed until I was able to dependably get a good crop. Each year I chose the biggest and fanciest varieties. At their best they were impressive. After a rain the beds were bedraggled for days. My interest in petunias waned and I dropped them from my plant list.

New cultivars have rekindled my interest in petunias. Most handle bad weather better than the varieties I grew tired of, recovering from rapidly from rain damage. They are not bothered by insects or diseases.