Calibrachoa

Calibrachoa or trailing petunia is a tender perennial which produces flowers that look like small petunias. These are compact, mounded plants which grow 3-9” tall on mostly trailing stems. Sometimes commonly called million bells, these plants are prolific bloomers that produce hundreds of 1” wide flowers from spring to frost. Flower colors include shades of violet, blue, pink, red, magenta, yellow, bronze, and white. Calibrachoa is not recognized as a separate genus by many authorities including the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and Hortus Third. It is sometimes sold in commerce as Petunia ‘Million Bells’.

LIGHTING REQUIREMENTS: USDA hardiness zones: 9 through 11

CARE INSTRUCTIONS WATER: The soil should be kept fairly moist but not soggy, especially in full sun areas as they may succumb to the intense heat of summer. Container plants require more watering.

FERTILIZER: Calibrachoa care includes periodic fertilizer applications in the garden, though you may need to fertilize more regularly when in a container or hanging basket.

FLOWERING: June to frost. Violet, blue, pink, red, magenta, yellow, bronze, white. SOIL: They prefer to be grown in moist but well-drained, organically rich soil in full sun.

DISEASE: No serious insect or disease problems.