Calibrachoas (also known as million bells, trailing petunias or superbells) are tender perennials grown as annuals in the UK. They have masses of pretty, bell-like flowers that look like mini petunias and come in a range of colours, including lavender, blue, pink, red, magenta, yellow, orange, coral and white.
Are million bells the same as petunias?
The blooms of million bells are similar to a petunia which is why they are also known as wild petunias. However, unlike the petunia the blooms are not sticky. They are available in many colors including yellow, white, magenta, red, blue, pink and violet. Million Bells attract butterflies.
Are million bells easy to grow?
Growing Calibrachoa million bells is easy. They prefer to be grown in moist but well-drained, organically rich soil in full sun. They do not tolerate high pH soils, though the plants will take very light shade and may tolerate some drought.
Are million bells hardy?
Million Bells are drought and heat tolerant and can also put up with mild frost.
What is another name for million bells? – Related Questions
Do million bells come back every year?
The Million Bells bloom for just one season, but does so for an incredibly long time: from April until October.
Do million bells spread?
With flowers that look like tiny petunias, calibrachoa (also called Million Bells) grows and blooms at an amazing rate. Though they only get about four inches tall, the plants can spread out enough to cover about 2 square feet of space in a season.
Do million bells need to be cut back?
If your calibrachoas start to get leggy, as they often do by mid-summer, clip or pinch them back to encourage branching and new flowers. Just don’t trim off more than 20 percent of your plants at one time, this can cause them too much stress.
Do you have to deadhead million bells?
Do Calibrachoa need to be deadheaded? Calibrachoa is a low maintenance plant. The answer is no, Calibrachoa don’t need to be deadheaded – they will continue to flower – and everyone shouts “yay!”
How do I keep my million bells 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.
How do you make a million Bell bushy?
Pinching, or removing, the growth tips of young Million Bells plants at planting time and again about three weeks later encourages full, bushy growth. Pinch each tip just above a set of leaves.
Do million bells need a lot of water?
Water. Calibrachoa needs to be kept well hydrated but not water-logged. Add water only after the top inch or so of the soil dries out. To check if your plant needs water, stick your finger into the soil up to the second knuckle.
Do million bells need fertilizer?
It is recommended that you fertilize your Million Bells hanging basket or container about once every two weeks with a general purpose plant fertilizer. As the season goes on, you may choose to start fertilizing weekly as more watering leeches the nutrients from the soil in the containers.
What is the best fertilizer for million bells?
Getting Calibrachoa to Bloom Requires the Right Fertilizer
The right fertilizer balance can promote strong flowering on million bells. A 20-10-20 fertilizer that has a slow release mechanism is ideal. Use this every other week to promote flower growth.
How far apart do you plant million bells?
Dig a hole that is large enough to accommodate the size of their rootball, and carefully firm down the surrounding soil. Your Calibrachoa plants should be spaced no less than six inches apart, but no more than twelve. Finish off the job with a generous watering.
How long do million bells last?
Calibrachoa can last 2 to 3 years, if planted in well-drained soil, kept well-watered, and fertilized regularly.
How do you take care of million bells in the winter?
Place in a container with fresh potting soil and transport to a cool space that stays above freezing – a garage should do nicely. Cut back the stems to about 2 inches (5 cm.) above the soil and water sparingly during the winter months.
Do million bells get aphids?
Lastly, Million Bells are highly attractive to aphids.
With baskets hung up in the greenhouse, they can be “out of sight, out of mind”, but regular monitoring is needed to prevent large aphid outbreaks. Place sticky cards directly in baskets, and routinely check plant material for aphid cast skins and honeydew.
Do bees like million bells?
Calibrachoa attracts hummingbirds, bees, and many other helpful insects including butterflies!
Can you put million bells in the ground?
Million bells plants are also somewhat drought-tolerant, so you can include them in a rock garden where they will appreciate the sharp drainage conditions. If you use million bells as a ground cover, keep in mind that the plants seldom spread more than 2 feet, so plant enough to ensure adequate coverage.
How often do you water million bells?
The plant needs regular watering, every week in the growing season, and more if you grow it in a container. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Calibrachoa is drought tolerant, but performs best with adequate water.
