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Calibrachoa spp.
million bells
South America — Chile, Uruguay, and southern Brazil
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Overview
Calibrachoa spp. spp. is million bells, a trailing tender annual (perennial in frost-free climates) growing 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall and 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) wide. Funnel-shaped flowers 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) resembling miniature petunias in white, yellow, pink, red, orange, purple, and bicolor on trailing stems from May through October (22 weeks). Self-cleaning — spent flowers drop without deadheading. Dark green narrow lance-shaped sticky leaves 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm). In Solanaceae spp.. Native to South America. All commercial plants are vegetatively propagated — sterile, no viable seed. Distinguished from Petunia spp. by the smaller flower size (0.75-1 inch / 2-2.5 cm vs. 2-4 inches / 5-10 cm for petunia). Requires acidic growing medium (pH 5.5-6.5) — iron chlorosis (yellowing) in alkaline soil or potting mix. This pH sensitivity is the primary cultural limitation. Use acidic-specific fertilizer (formulated for calibrachoa). Not drought-tolerant — wilts rapidly if allowed to dry out. Shear back by 1/3 in midsummer for a fresh flush. Overwintered indoors in frost-free conditions. Non-toxic. Full sun. Growth rate is fast.
Native Range
Native to South America — Chile, Uruguay, and southern Brazil.Suggested Uses
Grown in hanging baskets, window boxes, container edges, and trailing over retaining walls in containers of at least 2 gallons (7.5 L), spaced 10-12 inches (25-30 cm). Requires acidic potting mix. Self-cleaning. Non-toxic.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height6" - 1'
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Spring through fall (May-October). Funnel-shaped flowers 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm) in multiple colors on trailing stems. Self-cleaning. 22 weeks. Hummingbird- and bee-visited.Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
White, yellow, pink, red, orange, purple, and bicolor; funnel-shaped (petunia-like), 0.75-1 inch (2-2.5 cm); self-cleaning (spent flowers drop without deadheading)Foliage Description
Dark green, narrow, lance-shaped, 0.5-1 inch (1.3-2.5 cm), slightly stickyGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Full sun to partial shade (6-10 hours). Acidic well-drained potting mix pH 5.5-6.5 — use acidic fertilizer. Not drought-tolerant. Self-cleaning (no deadheading). Shear back 1/3 in midsummer if leggy. Purchase transplants — not direct-sown. Non-toxic.Pruning
Shear back by 1/3 in midsummer (July) when the plant becomes leggy or bloom declines — a fresh flush of growth and flowers follows within 2-3 weeks. No deadheading needed (self-cleaning).Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
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D
summer
Maintenance Level
moderateContainer Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons