Million Bells , scientifically known as Calibrachoa ( commonly Calibrachoa x hybrida ) , belong to to the Solanaceae family , which includes petunias , tomatoes , and nightshades . The genus Calibrachoa comprises about 28 species of evergreen , short - be perennials and subshrubs , often originate as annual .

Named after nineteenth - hundred Mexican botanist Antonio de la Cal y Bracho , Calibrachoa was once sort out as a genus Petunia but was distinguished as a freestanding genus in 1985 due to chromosomal and morphological differences . Most cultivated assortment are complex hybrids , descend from South American species , and are patent , interdict commercial vegetative propagation .

Calibrachoa plants are thick , mounding , or trailing , typically growing 6–12 inches tall and circulate up to 24 inches wide . Their small , oval - shaped leaves are muggy , fleshy , and bright fleeceable , measuring about 1 inch long . The trumpet - shaped flowers , resemble miniature Petunia , are 1 in in diameter and bloom profusely from spring to frost in a rainbow of colors , let in pinkish , red , jaundiced , orange , purple , and white , often with stripes , maculation , or double prime . The flowers are ego - cleaning , dropping spent heyday without needing deadheading . base are semi - woody , and the industrial plant has a sprawling drug abuse , ideal for cascading over edges .

Native to South America , peculiarly southerly Brazil , Peru , Chile , and part of Mexico , Calibrachoa species grow naturally in chaparral , candid grasslands , and rocky coastal areas . In their aboriginal habitat , they form low , carpet - like growth in well - drained , sunny surround and can self - seed . Introduced to orbicular markets in the former 1990s , Calibrachoa hybrids are now wide cultivated as ornamental in temperate and tropic region , including North America , Europe , and Australia . They are popular in urban and residential garden but are not typically naturalized outside their aboriginal range due to low seed production in hybrids .

Calibrachoa is wintertime audacious as a perennial in USDA Zones 9–11 , where it can subsist meek winters with temperatures above 25 ° F ( -4 ° ampere-second ) . In colder climates ( Zones 2–8 ) , it is develop as an yearly , as it can not tolerate frost or prolonged cold . In Zones 9–11 , plants may be overwintered indoors in lustrous , coolheaded condition ( 50–60 ° F ) or protect outdoors with mulch . For yearly use , plant in spring after the last hoar when soil temperatures progress to 55–60 ° F . Its heat and modest drought margin make it suitable for warm - time of year gardens , though it may need shade in extreme oestrus .

Calibrachoa is primarily an decorative plant , valued for its vibrant , uninterrupted blooms and versatility in landscape gardening . Its trailing habit get it ideal for hanging basket , windowpane boxful , container , and as a ground cover or “ spiller ” in miscellaneous plantation owner , adding colour to terrace , balcony , or garden bed .

The peak draw in hummingbirds , bee , and butterfly , heighten pollinator - well-disposed garden , though dual - flowered varieties are less accessible to louse . It serves as a companion plant with petunias or lantana , complement their standardized needs . While not edible , its low - maintenance , self - cleaning nature and deer resistance make it a favorite for nurseryman seeking vivacious , hassle - free displays .

Cultivation of Million Bells

pick out a Sunny Location

Choose a site with full sun , providing 6–8 hours of verbatim sunlight daily to maximize flowering and exert compact growth . In raging climates ( for instance , Zones 9–11 summers ) , fond good afternoon shade prevents scorch . check infinite for its tracking habit , typically 6–12 inches tall and spreading up to 24 inches , idealistic for cascading over bound .

Use Well - debilitate , Fertile Soil

Plant in well - drained , slightly acidic to neutral dirt ( pH 5.5–6.5 ) enriched with organic topic like compost or peat moss . A commercial-grade potting mix with perlite or vermiculite is idealistic for containers , ensuring good drain to foreclose root bunkum . Avoid sound clay soils ; amend garden beds with sand or compost if needed .

industrial plant at the Right fourth dimension

Plant baby’s room - originate Calibrachoa in spring after the last icing when soil temperature reach 55–60 ° F , typically April to May in most zona . Space plants 8–12 inches aside in bed or 6–8 inches in containers to allow spreading . For zone 9–11 , fall planting is viable for wintertime heyday in frost - gratis areas .

Water systematically

Keep ground evenly moist but not waterlogged , watering when the top inch experience dry , about 1–2 times weekly bet on climate . Containers may need daily lacrimation in hot weather . Use a watering can or drip irrigation to point the root zone , avoiding wet foliage to foreclose fungous emergence . abridge watering in cooler months .

Mulch for Containers or Beds

Apply a thin ( 1 - inch ) layer of organic mulch , such as bark or pine pale yellow , around plants in garden beds to keep wet and suppress weeds , keep it away from stems . In container , a light stratum of cosmetic gravel enhances drainage and aesthetics . Mulch helps modulate soil temperature , specially in waver spring or summer conditions .

Fertilize Regularly

Feed every 1–2 weeks during the growing time of year with a water supply - soluble , balanced fertiliser ( for example , 20 - 20 - 20 ) or one eminent in phosphorus ( e.g. , 10 - 30 - 20 ) to advance bloom , adulterate to half strength . Alternatively , hold a dim - departure chondritic fertilizer at planting . Avoid over - fertilizing , which stimulate leggy emergence ; reduce feeding in late fall for perennial .

Pinch for Bushier ontogeny

Pinch back stem tips by 1–2 in early in the season ( 4–6 weeks after imbed ) to encourage branch and a full , shaggy substance abuse . No deadheading is necessitate , as Calibrachoa is self - clean , dropping spend bloom naturally . Mid - time of year clipping by one - third can rejuvenate leggy plant , promoting new efflorescence .

Monitor for Pests

Watch for aphids , spider mites , or whitefly , which may appear in hot , teetotal status . Check for sticky residue , webbing , or yellow leaves . cover with a potent water nebulizer , insecticidal soap , or neem oil , apply early morning or evening to avoid foliage suntan . promote beneficial insect like ladybug to command pests organically .

Prevent Fungal Diseases

Calibrachoa is prone to settle down rot or powdery mould in overly wet or humid conditions . Ensure right drain , space plants for air circulation ( 8–12 inches apart ) , and water at the base . slay touch on leaves and apply a fungicide if mould appears . forfend overhead watering and improve ventilation in dim planting .

Support Pollinators

The vibrant blossom pull in hummingbirds , bees , and butterflies , enhancing garden biodiversity . industrial plant with salvia , lantana , or Petunia to create a pollinator - favorable display . void pesticide during flower to protect beneficial worm , especially for single - flowered potpourri , which are more accessible than treble blooms .

Propagate with Cuttings

circularize via stem turn cuttings in belated summertime for overwintering or new plants , as most Calibrachoa loanblend are patented and ejaculate propagation is undependable . Take 3–4 - inch cuttings , remove lower leaves , dip in rooting endocrine , and works in a moist perlite - peat mix . root take 2–3 weeks under bright , indirect light at 70 ° F .

Overwinter in Cold Climates

In Zones 2–8 , treat as an annual or overwinter indoors in a bright , nerveless location ( 50–60 ° F ) with reduced watering . Cut back by one-half before moving indoors . In Zones 9–11 , mulch intemperately and pass over during rare Robert Lee Frost to protect perennial . or else , take cutting in fall to distribute new plants for springiness .

take Vibrant Cultivars

Select nursery flora from series like ‘ MiniFamous ’ , ‘ Superbells ’ , or ‘ Cabaret ’ for diverse colors ( orangish , yellow , pink ) and growth habits ( mound or trailing ) . Check for intelligent , summary flora with no yellowing leaf . couple with complemental plants like verbena or bacopa in assorted containers for a cohesive , colorful showing .

Additional Tips