A Gardener’s Guide to Calibrachoa: The Mighty Mini Petunia

If you’re after a plant that’s vibrant, versatile, and blooms non-stop, look no further than Calibrachoa. Commonly known as “Million Bells,” this fabulous little plant has become a firm favourite with gardeners thanks to its abundance of small, petunia-like flowers. Whether in hanging baskets, containers, or trailing over the edges of garden beds, Calibrachoa is a star performer, bringing a splash of colour from spring to the first frost.

Let’s explore why Calibrachoa deserves a place in your garden, how to care for it, and the top varieties and brands to try.

What is Calibrachoa?

Native to South America, Calibrachoa is a close relative of the petunia but with a few distinct differences. It produces smaller flowers and has a naturally compact, trailing habit, making it ideal for cascading displays. Unlike petunias, Calibrachoa is more tolerant of rain and wind, so its blooms remain beautiful even after a downpour.

Available in a stunning array of colours—from soft pastels to vibrant, jewel-like hues—Calibrachoa is an excellent choice for gardeners who want to make a big impact with minimal effort.

Popular Brands and Varieties

When shopping for Calibrachoa, you’ll often come across them under branded names. These brands highlight different traits such as colour, size, or growth habit. Here are a few of the most popular:

1. Million Bells®

Million Bells, from Suntory, is perhaps the best-known Calibrachoa brand and rightly so. Famous for its vigorous growth and masses of blooms, it’s a true crowd-pleaser. A few standout varieties include:

• Million Bells Trailing Pink: Soft pink blooms perfect for romantic displays.
• Million Bells Red: A bold, fiery red that adds drama to any garden.
• Million Bells Yellow: Cheerful and sunny, ideal for brightening dull spaces.

2. Cabaret®

Cabaret Calibrachoa, from Ball FloraPlant, is known for its compact, tidy growth and uniform flowering, making it a popular choice for hanging baskets and containers. Top picks include:

• Cabaret Deep Blue: A rich, velvety blue that stands out beautifully.
• Cabaret Bright Red: Vibrant red blooms with a striking yellow throat.
• Cabaret Lemon Yellow: A fresh, buttery yellow ideal for spring gardens.

3. Can-Can®

The Can-Can series is perfect for those who love larger blooms and a dramatic trailing habit. It’s especially eye-catching in baskets and cascading displays. Popular varieties include:

• Can-Can Orange: A warm, fiery orange for a bold statement.
• Can-Can Purple Star: Purple flowers with a striking white star pattern.
• Can-Can Double Pink: Beautiful double blooms in soft pink hues.

How to Grow and Care for Calibrachoa

Caring for Calibrachoa is a breeze if you know its preferences. Here’s how to keep it thriving:

Light

Calibrachoa thrives in full sun, needing at least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily. It can tolerate a bit of shade, but too little light will reduce the number of flowers.

Soil

These plants prefer well-drained soil that’s slightly acidic. For containers, a good-quality, peat-based potting mix works well.

Watering

Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging, as Calibrachoa is prone to root rot. In hot weather, you may need to water daily, especially for plants in containers or baskets.

Feeding

Frequent feeding is key to keeping the blooms coming. Use a liquid feed for flowering plants every couple of weeks or mix a slow-release fertiliser into the soil when planting.

Pruning

One of Calibrachoa’s best traits is that it doesn’t need deadheading—it’s self-cleaning! However, if the plant becomes leggy, trim it back by a third to encourage fresh growth and more flowers.

Creative Ways to Use Calibrachoa

Thanks to its trailing habit and vivid colours, Calibrachoa is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas for incorporating it into your garden:

1. Hanging Baskets

Calibrachoa shines in hanging baskets, creating cascades of colour. Combine complementary shades for a stunning monochrome effect, or mix contrasting colours for a lively, cheerful display.

2. Container Gardens

Ideal for patio pots, Calibrachoa pairs well with upright plants like geraniums or grasses. Its trailing habit softens edges and adds a touch of drama to mixed arrangements.

3. Ground Cover

In garden beds, Calibrachoa can be used as a vibrant ground cover, adding a splash of colour to the front of borders or cascading over retaining walls.

4. Pollinator-Friendly Spaces

The nectar-rich flowers are a magnet for bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds, making them a brilliant choice for wildlife gardens.

Common Issues and Tips

Although Calibrachoa is relatively fuss-free, a few common problems can crop up:

• Yellowing Leaves: This is often a sign of overwatering or a lack of nutrients. Check your watering routine and consider a fertiliser with added iron.
• Leggy Growth: If the plant looks straggly, give it a light trim to encourage bushy, compact growth.
• Pests: Aphids and spider mites occasionally appear. Treat with insecticidal soap or a gentle spray of water to keep them at bay.
• Root Rot: Ensure containers have proper drainage, and avoid letting plants sit in water.

Why Choose Calibrachoa?

Calibrachoa is a true gem for gardeners of all skill levels. It’s easy to care for, endlessly versatile, and rewards you with an explosion of colour that lasts for months. Whether you’re planting Million Bells for their vibrant cascades, Cabaret for tidy containers, or Can-Can for dramatic flair, Calibrachoa is guaranteed to steal the show.

So, why not add a touch of cheerful charm to your garden? With Calibrachoa, the possibilities are endless!