Calibrachoa (small petunia, million bells)

An exact beauty at Purple Ranch Lavender Farm, Texas (US) http://purpleranch.blogspot.com/2008/04/calibrachoa-at-purple-ranch-lavender.html.

Here's Jim McCausland on Calibrachoa, "This plant - like small petunias, and for years that's what many botanists thought they were. More recently Calibrachoa came to be recognized as a separate genus. This plant spreads and mounds like petunias, but its 1-inch-wide flowers resist the geranium (tobacco) budworms that chew petunias. Since Calibrachoa freely drops its faded flowers, you never have to deadhead. Treat Calibrachoa as a warm-season annual in Sunset climate zones 2–24. However, in mild-winter areas of California (zones 8, 9, 14–24), Calibrachoa can be grown as a perennial (it's hardy to about 23°). Million Bells, the first series on the market, comes in both trailing and mounding forms. The new Superbells series has slightly larger blooms in the blue, pink, red, and white range. For warm tones, look for the MiniFamous series." http://www.sunset.com/sunset/garden/article/0,20633,713304,00.html

Initially Calibrachoa (sometimes known as "Million Bells") are thought to be closely related to the petunia. However on further examination it has been found that there are major differences in chromosomes and breeding behaviour between Calibrachoa and petunias. The name Calibrachoa comes from Antonio de Caly Bracho, who was a Mexican professor of pharmacy (wikipedia).

It grows up to 6-12 in. (15-30 cm) and 1/2 the size of a petunia. Prefers Full Sun / Partial Shade. Blooms repeatedly. Its foliage are herbaceous and propagate through stem cuttings (plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed) - patented cultivars unknown. Usually cuttings from firm stems with two leaf nodes (rooting hormone not required) stuck in regular potting mix, kept warm. Plant three to four cuttings per hanging basket, which will finish in 6-11 weeks. Calibrachoa will take 1-2 weeks longer than petunias.

Recommended to grow in hanging-baskets or where you can control the water saturation because it will flower less or dies when plants roots gets too wet all the time. Calibrachoa is considered to be relatively heavy feeders (200-300 ppm nitrogen); so be sure to keep plantings fertilized to prevent yellowing and lack of flowering. Most of the propagators suggest pinching the plants when they are transplanted, and then repeatedly pinching at 3- to 4-week intervals as needed. Once established it can handle heat and drought.

I bought this Calibrachoa in a plastic 6" hanging-pot from Bukit Rimau nursery today. Had it transplanted into 3 pots shown above. Hanging-pots doesn't appeal to me as you need to reach really high up for frequent light waterings, fertilizing and impossible task to check for pest. Calibrachoa in 2 baskets is placed at our single-window sills (outdoor facing West). While the one in a tall stand is placed next to our main door (North). Unlike the Old Fashioned Vining Petunia, it doesn't have any scent but it's vivid purple color will attract appreciating eyes when one passes by our porch. My fingers are crossed that mine will look as lush as Purple Ranch's and spreads like Jim McCausland's!