Petunia ‘Amore Queen Of Hearts’ delivers a nonstop cascade of heart-marked blossoms that keep your garden vivid from spring planting straight through to the first hard frost. This compact, mounding variety reaches about 10 to 16 inches tall and spreads 18 to 24 inches wide, earning top marks for self-cleaning blooms that drop spent petals without deadheading. The signature feature — a deep crimson or burgundy center bleeding outward into a white or pink background — creates a bold, two-tone effect that stands out in hanging baskets, window boxes, and front-of-border beds.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. I’ve spent years analyzing growing trials, comparing soil and sunlight requirements, and studying aggregated owner feedback to pinpoint which petunia varieties truly deliver on their color and performance claims.
Whether you’re planting in containers or open beds, choosing the right petunia amore queen of hearts starts with understanding bloom timing, heat tolerance, and whether you want seed, plug, or bare-root starts for your specific growing zone.
How To Choose The Best Petunia Amore Queen Of Hearts
Petunia ‘Amore Queen Of Hearts’ belongs to the milliflora category — smaller individual blooms that cover the plant in color from late spring until frost. Understanding a few core specs helps you avoid wasted money and disappointing bloom performance.
Plant Form: Bare Root vs. Plugs vs. Seed
Bare-root starts ship dormant and require an initial soak before planting; they establish fast in warm soil but need immediate care. Plug plants come already rooted in soil cells and suffer less transplant shock. Seeds give the most control over growing conditions but demand 10 to 12 weeks of indoor start before outdoor planting. For first‑time buyers, plugs offer the highest survival rate.
Bloom Period and Heat Tolerance
True petunias (Petunia × hybrida) bloom continuously from spring until frost but peter out in extreme heat above 90°F. Mexican petunias (Ruellia brittoniana) tolerate blistering southern summers and bloom from spring through fall with less water. If your summers run hot and humid, the Ruellia types listed below will outlast a standard hybrid petunia.
Plant Count and Spacing
A single Queen Of Hearts plant fills a 10‑inch pot. For a 24‑inch window box, plan on two to three plants. For border mass planting, space 12 to 18 inches apart. Buying a multi‑pack saves money if you’re covering a large area, but single bare‑root starts work fine for containers.
Quick Comparison
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| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mexican Petunia Purple 10‑Pack | Premium | Large groundcover or border | 10 bare‑root plants, 3‑4 ft tall | Amazon |
| 6‑Pack Mexican Petunia | Premium | Mass planting in sunny beds | 12 total plants (2 per cell) | Amazon |
| Purple Showers Ruellia 2‑Pack | Mid‑Range | Rain gardens or dry spots | Sterile, non‑invasive, 3‑4 ft | Amazon |
| Brunnera Silver Heart 2‑Pack | Mid‑Range | Shade beds with blue blooms | Silver leaves, 12 in tall | Amazon |
| Queen of The Night Cactus | Budget | Indoor night‑blooming gift | 2.5‑in pot, organic grown | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Mexican Petunia Purple 10‑Pack
This 10‑plant set from Florida Foliage delivers the strongest value for gardeners covering large sunny borders or walkways. Each bare‑root start grows into a 3‑ to 4‑foot clump of upright stems topped with trumpet‑shaped purple flowers, blooming from spring through winter in mild climates. The dense foliage spreads steadily without becoming aggressive, making it a reliable groundcover that softens hardscape edges.
Customer reports highlight healthy packaging with minimal shipping stress; multiple buyers noted that planting immediately after arrival produced strong root establishment within two weeks. The listed bloom period spans spring to winter, unusual for typical petunia hybrids, and the plant’s tolerance for poor, sandy soil reduces the need for heavy fertilizing.
The primary downside is the risk of receiving a dwarf variety instead of the advertised tall form — several owners reported compact growth rather than upright stems, and the seller did not always respond to inquiries about the discrepancy. When the correct type arrives, the visual impact is excellent for mixed borders.
What works
- 10 plants per order fills large spaces affordably
- Blooms nearly year‑round in warm zones
- Low maintenance on sandy or poor soil
What doesn’t
- Dwarf variety may be substituted for tall form
- Seller difficult to contact about variety mix‑ups
2. 6‑Pack Mexican Petunia (12 Total Plants)
This 6‑cell pack actually contains two plants per cell, giving you a dozen starts total — an excellent deal for covering larger areas. Plants ship bare‑root at 5 to 7 inches tall with healthy foliage and a strong root structure. Multiple Texas gardeners confirmed these survived two full summers with vibrant purple stems that tripled in flower count by the second season.
The Ruellia brittoniana genetics handle full sun and moderate watering without issue. One reviewer separated each cell into individual plants and reported all 12 were thriving after one week, showing the adaptability of the starts. The upright growth habit reaches 3 to 4 feet, providing vertical presence behind shorter annuals.
The main complaint involves a handful of dead plants after shipping — one buyer lost 4 of 6 cells within three weeks despite following instructions, and the supplier requested physical return of dead material rather than offering a simple refund. Check arrival condition promptly and photograph any damage.
What works
- 12 plants from a single purchase
- Vigorous growth in hot, sunny beds
- Flower production increases year over year
What doesn’t
- Some plants arrive dead or weak
- Return policy requires sending dead material
3. Purple Showers Ruellia 2‑Pack
This 2‑pack of ‘Purple Showers’ Ruellia offers a sterile, non‑invasive alternative to standard Mexican petunia, meaning it won’t self‑seed and spread into unwanted areas. Plants arrive bare‑root at 5 to 9 inches tall, and the product description promises a mature height of 3 to 4 feet with deep violet blooms from spring until fall. The willow‑like foliage adds a soft, airy texture that sways in the breeze.
Customer reviews highlight fast establishment — one buyer noted the plants grew quickly after potting and planned to reorder. The tolerance for both soggy rain‑garden conditions and dry drought periods makes this a versatile choice for problem spots. The sterile trait also appeals to eco‑conscious gardeners worried about invasive spread.
The main drawback is the small starter size. Several buyers received plants that were roughly 3 inches tall with only a few leaves, looking more like sticks than the lush photo. Patience is required — these need a full growing season to reach their advertised height. For instant impact, consider larger plug plants instead.
What works
- Sterile — no unwanted seedlings
- Thrives in both wet and dry soils
- Attracts pollinators without spreading
What doesn’t
- Starts are very small (3‑5 inches)
- Needs a full season to reach mature size
4. Brunnera Silver Heart 2‑Pack
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Silver Heart’ is not a petunia, but it shares the same compact, mounding habit (12 inches tall, 18 inches spread) and produces delicate blue flowers in spring that resemble forget‑me‑nots. The silver leaves with green veining reflect light in darker garden corners, earning consistent praise from shade gardeners.
Shipping quality stands out — each 1‑quart pot arrived with moist soil still damp, indicating careful handling by greenhouse staff. Every reviewer who posted photos showed healthy, vibrant specimens with no transplant shock. The moderate watering requirement and partial‑to‑full shade preference make it an easy option for north‑facing beds or under tree canopies.
The bloom period is limited to spring, unlike the long‑blooming petunias above, and the plant goes somewhat dormant in summer heat. If you want continuous color from spring to frost, pair this with annual impatiens or coleus. It’s a foliage accent, not a nonstop flower producer.
What works
- Excellent packaging with damp soil
- Striking silver foliage brightens shade
- Healthy, well‑rooted starters
What doesn’t
- Blooms only in spring
- Foliage goes dormant in hot summers
5. Queen of The Night Cactus (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
This organic Epiphyllum oxypetalum, also called Dutchman’s Pipe Cactus, is a night‑blooming succulent that produces fragrant white flowers that open after dark — a completely different category from petunias but sharing the “Queen” name. The 2.5‑inch pot holds a well‑rooted cutting grown without pesticides or synthetic fertilizers, backed by a woman‑owned, WBENC‑certified nursery in West Virginia.
Customers praise the packaging: custom‑fit cardboard and damp soil kept every shipment healthy on arrival. The cutting is typically 4 to 6 inches long and roots quickly when potted in cactus mix. For indoor gardeners who want a conversation‑piece plant that blooms on its own schedule (usually summer nights), this delivers reliable results.
The bloom window is short — flowers last a single night — and it may take two to three years before a young plant flowers. If you want instant, repeat blooms for outdoor containers, this is not the right choice. It’s a specialty collector’s plant for night‑blooming enthusiasts.
What works
- Organic growing methods with no chemicals
- Excellent packaging and healthy roots
- Fragrant night blooms are unique
What doesn’t
- Flowers last only one night
- Young plants may take years to bloom
Hardware & Specs Guide
Bloom Period and Duration
True petunias and Ruellia-type “Mexican petunias” differ significantly in bloom window. Standard hybrid petunias bloom continuously from spring to frost but slow down in sustained heat above 90°F. Ruellia brittoniana varieties bloom from spring through fall — and in warmer zones (8‑11) they bloom into early winter. The Brunnera listed above blooms only in spring (April‑May), while the night‑blooming cactus produces flowers in summer, each lasting a single evening.
Sun and Moisture Requirements
Petunia hybrids demand full sun (6+ hours daily) and consistent moisture — they wilt dramatically if allowed to dry out. Ruellia types tolerate both soggy rain‑garden conditions and severe drought once established, making them the more forgiving option for forgetful waterers. Brunnera requires partial to full shade and evenly moist, rich soil. The night‑blooming cactus prefers bright indirect light indoors and moderate watering with good drainage — never standing water.
FAQ
Can I plant Petunia Amore Queen Of Hearts in full shade?
How often should I water Mexican petunia after planting?
Do Mexican petunia plants spread aggressively?
Why did my bare‑root petunia arrive looking like a stick?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the petunia amore queen of hearts winner is the Mexican Petunia Purple 10‑Pack because it delivers the highest plant count per order, blooms nearly year‑round in warm zones, and thrives on minimal care. If you want a sterile, eco‑friendly option for rain gardens, grab the Purple Showers Ruellia 2‑Pack. And for indoor night‑blooming spectacle, nothing beats the Queen of The Night Cactus.