Care of the plant Calibrachoa x hybrida or Trailing petunia |
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The genus Calibrachoa, family Solanaceae, comprises 30 species of perennials (similar to Petunias) and are native to South America. Some species are: Calibrachoa elegans, Calibrachoa parviflora, Calibrachoa thymifolia, Calibrachoa linearis. Common names: Million bells, Trailing petunia. This hybrid comes from Brazil. They are small hanging or creeping plants that reach 20 cm (7.87") in height. They have abundant dark green oval leaves with slightly sticky texture. The numerous flowers, single or double, are trumpet-shaped with a darker center; They bloom from spring to autumn and can be of various colors: yellow, pink, purple, red, orange. They are very fast growing plants that are used as annuals in hanging pots or as cover plants (weather permitting). Calibrachoa x hybrida can grow in semi-shade (produces fewer flowers) but prefers full sun exposure. They can withstand light and occasional frosts. If the weather is rainy, it is better to protect them from the rains. The soil can be a universal substrate (sold in plant stores) to which coarse sand and leaf mulch will be added. Water regularly and moderately, waiting until the soil is almost dry. Never flood. Fertilize every 15 days in spring and summer with liquid mineral fertilizer to promote abundant flowering. It's important to prune faded flowers to produce more and to prune stems too long to keep them compact. They can be attacked by whiteflies and aphids (especially in very dry and hot summers) or by fungi if there is excess watering. They propagate by seeds sown in spring in a warm seedbed. |
Images of the plant Calibrachoa x hybrida or Trailing petunia |
 Calibrachoa x hybrida  Calibrachoa x hybrida  Calibrachoa x hybrida  Calibrachoa x hybrida  Calibrachoa x hybrida  Calibrachoa x hybrida |