Calibrachoa: How to Grow and Care with Success
Million Bells, Mini Petunias
What is Calibrachoa?
Calibrachoa is a genus of flowering plants in the Solanaceae family, often referred to as million bells or mini petunias due to their small, petunia-like flowers. The plants are low-maintenance, prolific bloomers that come in a wide range of colors. They are versatile plants that can be used in various garden settings and are attractive to pollinators.
Description and Growth Habit: Calibrachoa plants have a compact, mounding, and trailing growth habit, with a height of 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) and a spread of up to 24 inches (60 cm). They feature small, oval-shaped leaves and numerous trumpet-shaped flowers.
Flowers and Blooming Season: Calibrachoa produces small, trumpet-shaped flowers that come in a wide range of colors, including pink, red, purple, yellow, and white. They bloom continuously from spring to frost without the need for deadheading.
Hardiness: Plants are generally grown as annuals but can be treated as short-lived perennials in USDA hardiness zones 9-11.
Uses: Due to their trailing growth habit and prolific blooms, calibrachoa plants are ideal for hanging baskets, window boxes, container gardens, and as groundcovers in the landscape.
What is the Difference between Petunia and Calibrachoa?
Both Petunia and Calibrachoa belong to the Solanaceae family and have similar appearances. However, they differ in several aspects:
Size: Calibrachoa flowers are generally smaller than petunias, often resembling miniature petunias.
Growth habit: Calibrachoa has a trailing growth habit, making it suitable for hanging baskets and containers, while petunias can have a more upright or spreading habit.
Maintenance: Calibrachoa doesn't require deadheading, while petunias often benefit from it to encourage continuous blooming.
Disease resistance: Calibrachoa is generally more resistant to diseases and pests compared to petunias.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
9 - 11
|
---|---|
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
Plant Family | Calibrachoa |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |
Christynat, Shutterstock
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Guide Information
Hardiness |
9 - 11
|
---|---|
Climate Zones | 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 |
Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
Plant Family | Calibrachoa |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall |
Water Needs | Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Attracts | Bees, Butterflies, Hummingbirds |
Landscaping Ideas | Beds and Borders, Hanging Baskets, Patio and Containers |
Garden Styles | City and Courtyard, Informal and Cottage |