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Posted: May/03/2007 12:27 PM PST
I bought a plant with a generic tag that read, "Millions of Bells". It's a low height flowering plant with creamy yellow bell(trumpet) shaped flowers.I have never seen one before. Anyone know what it is? I can't find it in my references. Curious to how big it gets, full sun? part-shade? water needs? temperature tolerance? Thanks for your help, Sandy...with clay soil |
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Posted: May/03/2007 12:57 PM PST
OK... I found this! Calibrachoa Calibrachoa is closely related to the petunia and was first introduced to Europe in the early 19th century about the same time as the petunia. In 1988 wild samples were collected from South America and, after breeding, the first 'Million Bells' was released in 1992. Currently calibrachoa is available in a wide range of colors, from purple-blue, soft lavender-pink, hot pink, cherry pink, white, apricot and yellow under the names of 'Million Bells', 'Liricashower', 'Celebration' and 'Colorburst' Series. Calibrachoa thrives in full sun and is fast-growing with hundreds of small, petunia-like flowers from spring through late fall. The plants are self-cleaning and have a low-growing, compact growth habit. Calibrachoa is perfect in baskets, window boxes or as a ground cover. Culture. Calibrachoa is vegetatively propagated by cuttings. Plant rooted cuttings from February to March for a spring finish, placing three liners per 8- or 10-inch pot, or one liner per 4- or 6-inch pot. Liners will finish in 9 to11 weeks in 8- or 10-inch pots and 6 to 7 weeks in 4- or 6-inch pots. Calibrachoa requires very high light and grows best in full sun during production. Provide finishing temperatures of (65-70°F). Make one soft pinch at liner planting. Florel can be effective in creating better branching for upright pots and hanging baskets with longer crop time. Growing media should be kept moist to avoid wilting. Maintain a pH of 5.5-6.0. Watch for iron deficiencies (new growth turning yellow) associated with high pH. Constant feed with a complete fertilizer at 200 PPM nitrogen. Extra iron may be required to promote good leaf color. Use of slow-release fertilizer in supplementing a constant liquid feed program may benefit your customer. Provide periodic clear water applications if excess soluble salts accumulate. Calibrachoa is susceptible to aphids and pythium root rot. Drench a fungicide labeled for pythium, especially on upright varieties just after transplanting. Height: 18-24 in. (45-60 cm) Spacing: 15-18 in. (38-45 cm) Hardiness: Not Applicable Sun Exposure: Full Sun Sun to Partial Shade Light Shade |
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Posted: May/03/2007 1:55 PM PST
I have them every year and love them. The info RKayne gave you is good info. Now my less scientific approach, I just stick mine in pots in mostly sunny areas and they grow a lot like a petunia. They do like to be moist but not wet. Occasional pinching back of leggy stems gives you a bushier plant. I do deadhead mine too as they seem to bloom better if you do but this is not REQUIRED. Maybe it is just my excuse to be outside more. 
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Posted: May/03/2007 3:24 PM PST
LOL Any excuse to be out with the plants, eh? I need to trim your Japanese maple tonight... |
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Posted: May/04/2007 6:07 AM PST
Oh I have these too. I bought about a dozen plants and planted them in two 24 inch hanging baskets with a coconut liner.Mixed the colors puple, red and yellow. Are you guys saying that you can overwinter these plants? |
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Posted: May/04/2007 3:18 PM PST
No. They are annuals. |
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Posted: Aug/11/2007 7:29 PM PST
You can take cuttings and over winter them indoors. That's what I did, and it works. |
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Posted: Aug/16/2007 4:58 AM PST
I worked for 12 years in a commercial greenhouse, we grew a ton of million bells. (calibrachoa). They perform very well, but attract aphids pretty bad. When they do perform, they can really put on quite a show. I personally liked the pastel type shades they came in. Tips: medium water because they can get root root pretty easy and give them air, it may help with the aphids. Cheers! |
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