Although it is a short-lived perennial in warm climates, calibrachoa is grown as an annual almost everywhere.
Calibrachoa is a prolific bloomer and produces 1-inch blossoms that resemble tiny petunias.
The compact leaves are oval-shaped and a bit sticky.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
In most growing zones, calibrachoa is best planted or repotted in the spring.
The plant blooms continuously through the growing season until the first frost, and the flowersattract butterflies and hummingbirds.
Because of its trailing habit, it looks great in hanging baskets, bowls, or mixed containers.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
It also works well planted in-ground as a border plant.
Calibrachoa Care
Here are the main care requirements for growingcalibrachoa.
Insufficient sun exposure typically results in reduced blooming.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
Soil
Calibrachoa likes fast-draining potting soil, so check that your pot has good drainage.
Water
Calibrachoa needs to be kept well-hydrated but not waterlogged.
Add water only after the top inch or so of the soil dries out.
The Spruce / Evgeniya Vlasova
peek if your plant needs water by sticking your finger into the soil to the second knuckle.
Temperature and Humidity
Calibrachoa isdrought- and heat-tolerant, and even cold-tolerant.
It prefers temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
KeithSzafranski / Getty Images
A hardened-off plant can be brought outdoors in the spring as it can tolerate a mild frost.
However, hot weather and dryness can stress the plant.
Revive wilted foliage with a daily misting, but misting can burn leaves facing the direct sun.
Fertilizer
Feed calibrachoa a slow-release fertilizer when planting and regularly use a diluted liquid fertilizer.
Feed near the end of the season to promote late blooms.
This plant is a heavy feeder but be careful not to over-fertilizefollow the directions on the label.
Leaves turning light green or yellowish means the plant needs fertilizer or more sun.
Propagating Calibrachoa
Calibrachoa plants grown in gardens are hybrids that produce few seeds.
And because many of the varieties are trademarked hybrids, vegetative propagation through cuttings is technically illegal.
Loosen the root ball and add a slow-release fertilizer into the potting mix.
These short-lived plants won’t require any more repotting.
Common Pests
Calibrachoa plants are extremely susceptible toaphids.
Spray aphids off the plant with water, a water and dish detergent mix, or by usingneem oil.
What Do Calibrachoa Flowers Look and Smell Like?
Calibrachoa flowers are small, trumpet-shaped blooms that resemble smaller petunias.
They come in many colors, from pastels to deeper orange and purple.
Some calibrachoa types are more fragrant than others, but they all usually have a lovely sweet scent.
This plant is a heavy feeder, so fertilize it for more blooms.
To get calibrachoa to grow bushier, pinch back tips of new growth to encourage branching and more blooms.
(Plants that wilt after watering may be suffering from root rot.)
Calibrachoa andpetuniasare often mistaken for one another because they trail, spread, and mound almost alike.
However, calibrachoa has smaller flowers than petunias, and they can be easier to care for.
Put three or four calibrachoa plants in a hanging basket.
However, avoid planting calibrachoa with competing plants that are also heavy feeders.
