pruning never killed anything...

and it is about that time in the season ...

next time..when you have multiples.. experiment.. cut one or two.. and wait a week or two.. to see how the plants react ... then go for it ... based on the result ....

i would have looked for tiny buds at leaf junctions.. and cut back to such.. rather than randomly cutting away ...

but i doubt it would make a difference ...

if they perish.. it will be that there is some other problem ... like drought.. or potting media.. etc ...

they are annuals.. and sometimes.. as such.. they just peter out this time of year ... oh well ... you cant win them all ....

ken

Ashlie, giving petunias a heavy haircut in the heat of the summer is absolutely normal! Most people don't realize that petunias are a cool temperature plant and may suffer a bit mid summer.

Your severe pruning should only improve their appearance; just maintain a dilute but frequent feeding schedule and your plants should rebound beautifully for a beautiful late summer and fall season.

Petunias aren't carefree. Deadheading and occasional pruning are necessary to prolong their productive life, as is a fertilization program. With a little bit of care, you'll find that fall can be their best season.