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This is the time in the summer gardening season that our flower gardens start to fade. Annuals and perennials that we potted up for porch and patio color might be wearing out
It’s time to perk things up with some Calibrachoa. Also called million bells, this tender perennial is a fantastic plant for bright color, especially at this time of year. Plant some now and you will be blessed with an abundance of flowers through late fall
At the nursery, you will find a wide variety of Calibrachoa in many vivid colors. Yellow, red, lavender, pink, purple, orange and white are just a few of the many color choices. Some varieties even sport double flowers
Depending on variety, plants can be trailing for hanging baskets or mounding for beds and containers. Typically plants are offered in 4-inch containers
Calibrachoa is fairly easy to maintain when grown in well-drained, nutrient-rich potting soil. Plants put on a profusion of flowers that never need deadheading. A fast-growing Calibrachoa will quickly fill up a basket or container in no time at all. Fertilizing every other week with a liquid fertilizer works best. Not allowing container plants to dry out keeps Calibrachoa full with blooms and fresh foliage
Here on the coast, Calibrachoa will overwinter. Plants may get quite straggly, but they can be cut back hard in the spring. After pruning, repot and fertilize to start another season of wonderful color
Terry Kramer is the retired site manager for the Humboldt Botanical Garden and a trained horticulturist and journalist. She has been writing a garden column for the Times-Standard since 1982. She currently runs a gardening consulting business. Contact her at 707-834-2661 or terrykramer90@gmail.com
