The Main Plant entry for Calibrachoas (Calibrachoa)

AKA “Seaside or Seashore Petunia” Million Bells, Callies
Named after 19th century Mexican Botanist: Antonio de la Cal y Bracho
Since 1800’s they were considered part of the Petunia genus. In 1990 the Calibrachoa genus was determined since there were DNA genetic differences
1997 the 1st hybrid series introduced was called “Million Bells” by Proven Winners
Evergreen Perennial
Sheds spent flowers
More flowers than most Petunias
More Sun = More Flowers
Heat Tolerant
Many hybrid varieties are Daylight Neutral - Shorter days do not affect new flower bud production
pH sensitive: 6.0 (low) pH
Good choice for Hanging Baskets
Unforgiving if you let them dry out (parched)
Rich fertile soil with good drainage (saturated soil will rot roots)
“Compact” Doesn't mean the plant is small. Compact refers to a tight growth habit (dense). Short internodes
“Dwarf” usually refers to the plant not the flower
“Vigorous” Strong stems and often longer internodes. Usually spreading or trailing types

Most seeds are sterile.
Propagated by vegetative cuttings (sold as plants)

Average number of calibrachoa plants per 12" hanging basket is 6 for a nice full display
Using different varieties from the same Series will produce a more uniform shape for a basket

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Calibrachoa grows and flowers at an amazing rate. It is perfect for containers or hanging baskets but also can be tucked into the front of a border where it will spill out onto sidewalk or patio. Needs ample water and fertilizer to fuel its growth.

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This is one of my 'must have' annuals every growing season. I've had them self sow after a mild winter. They don't come true from seed, but give an interesting combination of colors. (See my 2nd photo above) They grow very fast, so when I buy one I buy the smallest, least expensive ones I can find. By late July that small start will have grown enough to fill out a hanging basket. This year I'm trying to overwinter 3 different pots of Million Bells in my unheated attached garage. It's almost mid January and so far, so good. I've made sure not to let them go completely dry, but I'm careful not to overwater them either. They look really healthy and have even grown a bit. In the spring I'll trim their roots, re-pot them in fresh soil, fertilize them, and have another season of non-stop blooms from these beautiful plants.

It's April and my two largest Million Bells have done well over the winter. The smaller one didn't make it. I'll winter these over every year now that I know it's possible.

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"Calibrachoa are closely related to Petunia. However on further examination it has been found that there are major differences in chromosomes, corresponding to external differences and fertilization factors that distinguished the two genera. Calibrachoa is named after Antonio de la Cal y Bracho, a 19th century Mexican botanist and pharmacologist.

Some Calibrachoa are cultivated as ornamental plants, the hybrids C. ×hybrida being popularly known as "Million Bells". The plants can tolerate light frost and thrive in sun or semi-shade. Plant in a free-draining soil and water only when the soil is almost dry. They can be propagated from tipcuttings, but are frequently grown as half-hardy annuals."

Taken from wikipedia's page at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C...

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I just love these flowers and plants! They're like mini petunias! But, they have more flowers blooming, they don't need any deadheading for any of the varieties and best of all, at least to me, they don't have the stickiness that the petunias have on the stems when pinched back during the growing season.

There are a lot of different colors to mix and match and to pick from each year!

They are easy to grow and maintain and are beautiful!

A winner of a plant all around!

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These are beautiful in hangers! The number of flowers is very great, and when they're in full bloom, it looks like the plant is covered in flowers!

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