Calibrachoa Plant Care – How to Grow Million Bells

Calibrachoa

Calibrachoa make excellent container plants. Pictured: Superbells® Pomegrante Punch™. Photo by: Proven Winners.

USDA hardiness zones:

9-11, annual elsewhere

Habit:

Sprawling

Height:

6 to 12 inches tall

Width:

12 to 24 inches wide

Exposure:

Full sun to part shade

Bloom time:

Planting until frost

Colors:

Coral, yellow, orange, red, pink, purple, blue and white

Common names:

Superbells®, Million Bells®, mini-petunias or trailing petunias

Calibrachoa is a popular garden annual that blooms continuously from planting until frost and is ideal for containers, hanging baskets, or raised beds. These petunia look-alikes offer a wide range of flower colors and patterns that look great by themselves, or when combined with other plants.

On this page: Planting | Care | Pictures | Landscaping Tips | Companion Plants

On this page:

  • CARE
  • PLANTING
  • VARIETIES
  • LANDSCAPING TIPS
  • COMPANION PLANTS

Calibrachoa will bloom all summer as long as their needs are met. Keeping them happy is relatively simple: The critical elements are sun, fertilizer, soil and water. They perform best in containers with excellent drainage.

Does Calibrachoa like sun or shade?

Calibrachoa plants bloom best with at least six hours of full sun, though they can tolerate partial shade. Without enough light flower numbers will decrease, the plants will stretch and the foliage turns light green.

How do you keep a Calibrachoa blooming?

Calibrachoa plants are heavy feeders. Nutrients are quickly leached from the soil by frequent watering, so fertilize regularly for continuous bloom. Use a water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks or add a slow-release granular fertilizer to the soil at planting time, replenishing according to instructions.

Soil:

For containers and hanging baskets, use a quality all-purpose potting mix that drains well. For bedding displays, soil should be well amended and drain quickly.

How often should I water my Calibrachoa?

Water calibrachoa when the top couple of inches of soil feel dry. During hot, dry weather, they can dry out quickly and may need daily watering. Stick your finger two inches into the soil; if it feels dry, then it’s time to water. Saturate the whole container so liquid drains from the bottom. Allow to dry slightly between waterings.

Should I deadhead Calibrachoa?

Calibrachoa are self-cleaning and require no deadheading. Pinch back tips occasionally to encourage branching, which will produce more flowers. To rejuvenate plants mid-season, cut branches to half their length and fertilize to stimulate new growth.

Diseases and pests:

Overwatering can lead to root rot or an infection from one of the Phytophthora species, which can kill plants. If plants are wilted after watering, this can be a sign of root rot. Heat stress can make plants susceptible to spider mites, and aphids.

Deer resistance:

Calibrachoa do not seem particularly tasty to deer; however, they are not classified as deer resistant.

When to plant:

Plant outside in mid-to-late spring after all danger of frost is past.

Where to plant:

Grow by themselves or in combination with other plants in containers or hanging baskets with well-draining soil. They can also be planted in beds or borders providing the soil is well amended and drains well; however, they perform best in pots.

How to plant:

Place potting mix in a hanging basket or container. Remove from the pot and gently tease the roots out if pot-bound. Place 6 to 12 inches apart and firm soil around the base. Water well to thoroughly wet the plant and settle the soil around it.

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Photo: Proven Winners

Superbells® Lemon Slice® — Buy now from Proven WinnersCalibrachoa hybrid

Height/Spread:

12 to 24 inches wide, 6 to 12 inches tall

The striking pinwheel pattern of the bright yellow blooms makes this a stunning container accent. Combine with yellow coleus for upright structure, and trailing bacopa for contrasting texture.

Photo: Proven Winners

Superbells® Grape Punch™ — Buy now from Proven WinnersCalibrachoa hybrid

Height/Spread:

12 to 24 inches wide, 6 to 12 inches tall

The royal color will pop when combined with complementary colors of orange or yellow. Try Grape Punch with an orange African daisy for height and contrast, and a blue verbena for a sophisticated touch.

Photo: Proven Winners

Superbells® Cherry Star — Buy now from Proven WinnersCalibrachoa hybrid

Height/Spread:

12 to 24 inches wide, 6 to 12 inches tall

For a vibrant color basket, combine with pink Superbells® and yellow nemesia.

Photo: Proven Winners

Superbells® Magic™ Pink Lemonade — Buy now from Proven WinnersCalibrachoa hybrid

Height/Spread:

12 to 24 inches wide, 6 to 12 inches tall

This lively variety changes color depending on the season and the amount of sunlight it receives. Flowers start out bright lemon yellow and transition to vibrant pink, with both colors seen on the plant at the same time.

Photo: Proven Winners

Superbells® Holy Moly!® — Buy now from Proven WinnersCalibrachoa hybrid

Height/Spread:

12 to 24 inches wide, 6 to 12 inches tall

This striking bicolor goes well with many other colors. Combine with red Superbells® and black sweet potato vine for a dusky tropical feel.

Photo: Proven Winners

Superbells® Holy Smokes!® — Buy now from Proven WinnersCalibrachoa hybrid

Height/Spread:

12 to 24 inches wide, 6 to 12 inches tall

This eye-catching variety goes well in a range of color schemes, leaving you captivated all season long. Plant with purple Persian shield and white bacopa for a winning combination.

Photo: Proven Winners

Superbells® Coral Sun — Buy now from Proven WinnersCalibrachoa hybrid

Height/Spread:

12 to 24 inches wide, 6 to 12 inches tall

New for 2021, Coral Sun looks great paired with purple petunias and yellow bidens, as seen in this ‘Sweet Mango’ container recipe.

Photo: Proven Winners

Superbells® Doublette Love Swept™ — Buy now from Proven WinnersCalibrachoa hybrid

Height/Spread:

12 to 24 inches wide, 6 to 10 inches tall

Small, double flowers bloom all season long. Plant with Superbells® White and Supertunia® Trailing Rose Veined for a pink and white basket full of flowers all summer and into fall. See the Truly Pink container recipe.

Photo: Ball Horticultural Company

MiniFamous® ‘Uno Double Red’Calibrachoa hybrid

Height/Spread:

10 to 15 inches tall & wide

Use this velvety double rose-shaped flower in hot or subdued color themes. Combine with blue salvia for upright structure and yellow bidens for an eye-popping primary color scheme.

Photo: Ball Horticultural Company

Can-Can® Orange Calibrachoa hybrid

Height/Spread:

10 to 15 inches tall & wide

These orange flowers add cheerfulness to any garden. Pair with complementary hues of purple or blue for a pop of contrast. For extra sizzle, combine with purple fountain grass, purple Superbells® and cinammon coral bells.

One of the most versatile annuals, calibrachoa can be incorporated into any landscape. Here’s how:

  • Place one or two tall ceramic pots near your home’s entrance and fill with colorful Superbells® to greet visitors.
  • Adorn arbors and pergolas with hanging baskets brimming with your favorite colors.
  • Plant window boxes that receive at least 6 hours of sunlight with colors that complement your home’s exterior.
  • Shepherd’s hooks are a great way to add hanging baskets for instant color by a patio, deck or poolside. Hooks are easily moved around for a fresh look.
  • Place a hanging basket outside your kitchen window to enjoy a burst of color whenever you’re cooking or doing dishes. This will attract hummingbirds and butterflies up close where you can most appreciate them.

Calibrachoa combine well with many other annuals. Get creative and make your own custom containers using the principle of “thriller, filler, and spiller.”

  • Combine them with taller plants such as angelonia, coleus, African daisy, purple fountain grass, zonal geranium, or Persian shield.
  • Add fillers such as coral bells, lantana, marigold, or sedges.
  • Companion trailers include sweet potato vine, fan flower (Scaevola), verbena, bidens, bacopa, or nemesia.

RELATED:How to Create a Container PlantingColorful Plant Combinations for ContainersThe 24 Best Plants to Attract Hummingbirds24 Purple Flowers to Brighten Your GardenAmazing Annuals for Sun

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