Million bells (Calibrachoa (group))
Million bells (Calibrachoa group) offers prolific, small petunia-like blooms from June to frost. Low maintenance annual perfect for containers.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Calibrachoa (group), commonly recognized by the popular name Million bells, provides gardeners with an exceptionally long season of vibrant color. These compact, mounding plants are famous for producing hundreds of tiny, flower-like blooms resembling miniature petunias from early summer until the first frost. This prolific blooming habit makes the Calibrachoa (group) a standout choice for non-stop summer impact.
As a tender perennial hardy only in USDA Zones 9-11, Million bells is often treated as a highly reliable annual across most climates. They establish quickly and thrive in full sun, offering a significant advantage over many relatives because they generally do not require deadheading to maintain continuous flowering through hot weather.
For gardeners seeking vibrant trailing color in baskets or containers, Million bells provides exceptional performance with low effort. Their drought tolerance and vigor during challenging summer heat ensure that patio displays remain lush and engaging all season long, making them a superior annual bedding plant.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Solanaceae
- Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 9-11
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 0.25-0.75 ft
- Spread: 0.5-2 ft
- Bloom Time: June to frost
- Bloom Description: Violet, blue, pink, red, magenta, yellow, bronze, white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
To establish Million bells successfully, purchase established plants in the spring and wait until all danger of frost has passed before planting them outdoors. They require full sun for the best flower production, though they will tolerate very light shade, which will reduce bloom intensity. Soil should be moist, organically rich, and crucially, well-drained.
Care for this Calibrachoa (group) is straightforward. Ensure consistent, medium moisture, especially when grown in containers where they can dry out quickly. Unlike many traditional petunias, deadheading is generally not necessary; the plant self-cleans, allowing energy to focus on producing more flowers. If grown outside of Zones 9-11, treat this plant as an annual and replace it each spring.
A strong benefit of these modern hybrids is their resilience; they tolerate drought better than many other bedding flowers, resisting decline during peak summer heat. Because most popular cultivars are patented, propagation is typically done vegetatively by professionals, meaning home gardeners should focus on purchasing new stock each year.
Landscape Uses
Calibrachoa (group) excels in positions where trailing masses of color are desired. They are most often utilized in hanging baskets, spilling beautifully over the edges to create a full, weeping effect. Their low stature, reaching only up to 9 inches tall, also makes them perfect for filling containers alongside taller specimens or cascading over retaining walls.
When used as a ground cover in small areas, Million bells creates a dense mat of flowers, effectively suppressing weeds. They can also brighten up the front edge of borders or soften the look of rock gardens where rich soil and consistent moisture can be maintained. Pair them with upright, contrasting textures for maximum visual impact.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Calibrachoa, commonly called million bells or trailing petunia, is a tender perennial that produces prolific flowers resembling small petunias on compact, mounding stems 3-9” tall. These plants are noted for producing hundreds of 1” wide flowers from spring to frost, which are attractive to hummingbirds. Flower colors span rich shades including violet, blue, pink, red, magenta, yellow, bronze, and white, and it is sometimes commercially sold as Petunia ‘Million Bells’.
Tolerances
- Tolerates drought
Potential Problems
Million bells generally do not suffer from serious insect or disease problems, making them a generally robust planting choice. Gardeners should focus primarily on ensuring excellent soil drainage, as overly wet or saturated soil is the fastest way to cause plant decline, particularly root rot. If pests do appear, standard treatments for soft-bodied garden insects will usually suffice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Million bells suitable for?
Calibrachoa (group) is winter hardy in USDA Zones 9 through 11. In colder regions, it should be grown as an annual, planted out after the last spring frost.
How large does Million bells grow?
This plant typically achieves a height between 0.25 and 0.75 feet, with a spread ranging from 0.5 to 2 feet wide.
When does Million bells bloom?
Million bells begins blooming profusely in June and continues flowering strongly until the first frost arrives, offering a long display of violet, blue, pink, red, and many other shades.
What sun exposure does Million bells need?
This plant absolutely requires full sun exposure to achieve its best performance and most saturated color results, though light shade is tolerated if flowering is less critical.
Conclusion
The continuous, heat-tolerant flowering of Million bells makes the Calibrachoa (group) an indispensable component of summer container and basket displays. Its remarkably low maintenance requirements, especially the lack of necessary deadheading, save gardeners time while delivering unparalleled color volume. Ensure you check local climate compatibility or plan to treat this vibrant trailer as an annual for dependable seasonal joy.
Companion Planting
When selecting partners for Million bells, focus on plants that share similar requirements for full sun and consistent, medium moisture. Calibrachoa’s low, trailing habit pairs wonderfully with upright fillers like upright geraniums (Pelargonium) or taller annual spike plants like Salvia. Mixing textures prevents the container or border from looking homogenous; contrast the fine texture of the Million bells blooms with the broad leaves of sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas) or coleus.
Grouping these plants based on cultural needs—sunny, moist conditions—ensures that the entire planting thrives simultaneously. Since Million bells prefers well-drained soil and does not like to stay soggy, avoid pairing it directly with plants that require boggy soil conditions, sticking instead to thriving companions like calibrachoa’s close relative, the petunia, or calibrachoa itself when grown in different colors.
Wildlife Benefits
While the small flowers of Calibrachoa (group) are not the most densely nectar-rich sources, they are highly attractive to specific avian visitors. The description notes that the blooms are attractive to hummingbirds, who easily access the nectar through the relatively short floral tubes. Because they bloom continuously through the summer, they offer a relatively reliable, albeit low-volume, energy source during peak feeding seasons.
Planting a mass grouping of various colors of Million bells can create a shimmering target for these beneficial visitors. Pairing them near larval host plants or other known nectar producers, such as lavender or bee balm, can create a dedicated pollinator corner in your garden space. Every accessible flower helps support local wildlife populations throughout the season.
