2. THE REMARKABLE CALIBRACHOA—A CONTAINER STAR

Calibrachoa (ca-libra-KO-a) is not a name that rolls off the tongue. So, many people refer to this popular tender perennial as Million Bells® or Superbells® due to the many miniature petunia-like blooms that line its trailing stems. This profuse bloomer sports small jewel-like flowers in a rainbow variety of colors, and you have probably seen it in containers and hanging baskets. Calibrachoa flowers appear in every tone of color, and you can find cultivars with striped and star patterns, dark eyes, or single or double blooms. Their intricate color combinations are truly remarkable. This outstanding flowering plant is grown as an annual in areas colder than USDA hardiness zones 9–11.

Few types of plants have experienced the kind of “overnight success” that calibrachoa has. It first came on the market in the early 1990s as Million Bells®, growing beautifully in hanging baskets and pots. It is now one of the most popular annual flowers sold each year. The reasons for its phenomenal success as a container plant is its range of color combinations, easy-care status (no deadheading!), and heat tolerance and durability. In fact, the National Garden Bureau proclaimed 2018 as the Year of the Calibrachoa.

This sun-loving trailer is a great choice for sunny pots and window boxes. Its fleshy stems, which grow 6 to 15 inches long, are covered with a multitude of flowers that spill loosely over the edge. Calibrachoa plants will grow in five hours of sun and more. Fertilizing ensures more flowers. Mix in a slow-release fertilizer at planting and, later on, apply a diluted solution of liquid fertilizer every few weeks. If the plants start to get leggy, meaning that it starts to grow long stems, do not be afraid to clip them back hard to encourage new growth.