Alphabetical Plant Listing

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
Compare All Calibrachoa Guides with Calibrachoa

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
Compare All Calibrachoa Guides with Calibrachoa

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