Elevate outdoor entertaining with petunias and pansies

Love to entertain? Wave^® Petunias and Pansies offer an easy and impactful way to create a welcoming, lively atmosphere for any outdoor gathering. From setting a colorful backdrop to inspiring interactive moments with guests, these versatile plants help transform your space.

Since the debut of Wave^® Purple Classic in 1995, Wave^® Petunias have stood out for their dramatic spread, exceptionally long bloom time and superior weather resistance. Today, they continue to be a go-to choice for gardeners who want reliable, impactful color. To celebrate Wave's 30th anniversary and National Wave Day on May 3, here are a few creative ways to level up your outdoor entertaining with Wave^® Petunias and Pansies.

Set the stage for daytime entertaining

Planning an outdoor brunch or afternoon tea party? Add soft, elegant color and lasting ambiance to your garden with E3 Easy Wave^® Rose Morn — a beautiful new addition to the Wave^® collection. This standout color features rose-pink petals, a crisp white center, and a cheerful touch of yellow, bringing a fresh and inviting look to spring and summer celebrations. As part of the early-flowering E3 Easy Wave^® series, it delivers easy, spreading color that shows up fast, especially in warmer climates where planting can begin right after the frost-free date. Mix it with other Wave^® varieties for playful pops of color, striking contrasts, or a custom palette that fits your party's vibe.

Add elegance to moonlit soirees

An evening meal under the stars calls for a setting that feels both relaxed and refined. New this year, Easy Wave^® Rose adds a romantic touch to gardens with its soft, iridescent glow — it's a color that's both modern and timeless. For other ideal colors perfect for catching the moonlight, look for E3 Easy Wave^® White or Easy Wave^® Silver petunias.

Whether planted in-ground or arranged in baskets and containers, Wave^® Petunias are a versatile choice for styling patios, decks, or outdoor dining spaces. They hold up beautifully in the warmth of the day and the cool of the evening, making them a reliable option for entertaining at any hour. With a wide range of colors, it's easy to craft a look that complements your nighttime gatherings in effortless style.

Get creative with a potting party

Turn your next gathering into a hands-on experience by hosting a potting party. Invite guests to design their own unique planters using a mix of Wave^® Petunias, Pansies and accent plants. All you need are containers with drainage holes, potting soil and a colorful assortment of plants — then let the creativity flow.

When it comes to choosing plant combinations, playing with contrast creates a striking and dynamic effect. Pair bold opposites like red and blue, green and orange, or yellow and violet for eye-catching containers. A new favorite for dramatic contrast is Easy Wave^® Navy Velour — a deep blue-purple variety that adds richness and depth, like your favorite dark blazer or moody sweater. For a well-balanced container, use the classic "thriller, filler, spiller" method: include one tall, attention-grabbing plant, a mid-sized filler to add fullness, and a trailing variety that cascades over the edge for a lush, finished look.

Decorating and dining with pansies

When it comes to hosting a garden party, Wave^® Pansies can truly do it all — adding color and charm to both your décor and your menu. For a relaxed yet festive tablescape, place a few pansy stems in small colored-glass bottles at each place setting, or gather them in a larger vase at the center of the table. Choose complementary shades for a cohesive look, or mix bold colors for a more playful effect. Low-profile arrangements, such as small potted pansies surrounded by candles, create a warm, intimate atmosphere while allowing for easy conversation across the table.

Cool Wave^® Pansies are not only beautiful but also edible, offering a delicate, floral sweetness that makes them perfect for garnishing. Use them to enhance salads, decorate desserts, or top cocktails with a single bloom for an elegant touch. To add a playful twist, freeze pansy petals in ice cubes to elevate any refreshing beverage.

With a few thoughtful details, Wave^® Pansies and Petunias can bring color, creativity, and charm to every aspect of your outdoor celebration. For more gardening tips, creative ideas, and inspiration to elevate your space, visit WaveGardening.com.