<h1>Calibrachoa, Million Bells</h1>

Calibrachoa, often referred to as "Million Bells" or "trailing petunia," is a genus of plants in the Solanaceae (nightshade) family. These plants are native to South America, spanning regions from southern Brazil to Peru and Chile, where they typically inhabit scrublands and open grasslands. Calibrachoa plants are characterized by their evergreen nature, short-lived perennials, and subshrub form with a sprawling habit, featuring small, petunia-like flowers.

One interesting aspect of Calibrachoa is that the plants produce very little to no seed, which means they are primarily propagated through vegetative cuttings. They thrive in full sun and are sensitive to soil pH levels. These plants are known for producing abundant blooms throughout the season and have a trailing habit, which makes them particularly well-suited for hanging baskets or containers rather than garden beds. The flowers come in a wide range of colors, including violet, blue, pink, red, magenta, yellow, bronze, and white. Calibrachoa foliage is often sticky to the touch, and each plant can produce a significant number of flowers all season long.

Calibrachoa was named after Antonio de la Cal y Bracho, a 19th-century Mexican botanist and pharmacologist. Despite their resemblance to petunias, Calibrachoa are distinguished by significant differences in chromosomes, external characteristics, and fertilization factors. Some Calibrachoa species are cultivated as ornamental plants and are known for their ability to tolerate light frost. They perform best in sun or semi-shade conditions, in free-draining soil, and should only be watered when the soil is nearly dry. These plants are suitable for container gardening and hanging baskets and are known to attract hummingbirds.

For those interested in growing Calibrachoa, it's important to provide them with at least 8 hours of full sun daily, use a well-drained potting mix rich in organic matter, and maintain a slightly acidic soil pH of 5-6.5. Since Calibrachoa are heavy feeders due to their abundant blooms, they require frequent fertilization. Watering should be regular, especially for plants in smaller containers and hanging baskets, but care should be taken to avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Proper drainage is essential. Additionally, Calibrachoa plants are self-cleaning, meaning they do not require deadheading to continue blooming, and they benefit from good air circulation and slightly drying out between waterings to prevent pest and disease issues​​​​.