Million Bells Calibrachoa Aloha Classic Tiki Hot Pink = 'Duealtihotpi' (PBR) (Aloha Classic Series)
ABOUT
Calibrachoa Aloha Classic Tiki Hot Pink, commonly known as Million Bells is a delightful, blooming plant with an appearance that closely resembles that of small petunias. This particular variety, exuding vibrancy with its 'Tiki Hot Pink' moniker, boasts a profusion of deep hot pink flowers. These flowers are trumpet-shaped and feature a delicate, velvety texture with a soft throat of a lighter pink to yellow shading, which adds depth and contrast to the overall floral display. The foliage of Million Bells is equally attractive, presenting a bright green color that forms a lush backdrop for the prolific flowers. The leaves are small and somewhat oval-shaped with a smooth edge, often having a slightly sticky texture. The growth habit of this plant is trailing and cascading, making it an excellent choice for hanging baskets and containers where it can elegantly spill over the edges. Overall, the appearance of Calibrachoa Aloha Classic Tiki Hot Pink is characterized by its stunning pink flowers which bloom profusely throughout the growing season, creating a striking display of color that is both eye-catching and charming.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Solanaceae
Synonyms
Million Bells, Mini Petunia
Common names
Calibrachoa Aloha Classic Tiki Hot Pink = 'Duealtihotpi' (PBR) (Aloha Classic Series).
- Toxicity
To humans
Calibrachoa, which is the most common name for Calibrachoa Aloha Classic Tiki Hot Pink, is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, ingesting this plant should not lead to any symptoms of poisoning. However, it is always advisable to avoid consuming any plant parts unless they are known to be safe for human consumption.
To pets
Calibrachoa is not known to be toxic to pets. This means that if pets were to ingest any part of the Calibrachoa plant, they are unlikely to experience symptoms of poisoning. As with any non-edible plant, it's always best to prevent pets from ingesting plants not intended for their consumption to avoid any gastrointestinal upset or unexpected reactions.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Hot Pink
Height
8-12 inches (20-30 cm)
Spread
12-24 inches (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Vibrant Color: Adds a splash of bright hot pink color to gardens and landscapes.
- Continuous Blooming: Produces flowers continuously throughout the growing season.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Attracts Pollinators: Draws in beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Compact Growth: Suitable for small spaces, hanging baskets, and containers due to its mounding habit.
- Heat Resistance: Thrives in hot conditions, ensuring vivid color even in the peak of summer.
- Versatile Planting: Works well in mixed flower arrangements and as a stand-alone plant in various landscaping designs.
- Medical Properties
This plant is not used for medical purposes.
- Air-purifying Qualities
This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
- Other Uses
- Edging for Garden Paths: Calibrachoa can be used to create a vibrant edge along garden walkways, adding a splash of color and defining the path boundaries.
- Hanging Basket "Spiller": When planted in hanging baskets, the trailing nature of Calibrachoa serves as a "spiller" element, cascading over the sides for a lush look.
- Ground Cover in Miniature Landscapes: The plant can be used as ground cover in fairy gardens or other miniature landscape designs to add color and fill in small spaces.
- Accent in Rock Gardens: Calibrachoa’s bright flowers can provide an eye-catching accent in rock gardens, contrasting well with the textures and colors of stones.
- Dress Up Mailboxes: Planting Calibrachoa around a mailbox post can beautify an otherwise utilitarian structure.
- Container Gardening Mix: In mixed plant containers, Calibrachoa can be combined with other plants with similar growing requirements to create a multi-textured display.
- Temporary Seasonal Ground Cover: Calibrachoa can serve as a fast-growing temporary ground cover to add color to a garden in between planting seasons.
- Photography Backdrops: The vibrant flowers of Calibrachoa can be grown on lattice structures to create a natural, colorful backdrop for outdoor photography.
- Livestock Forage Enhancement: Although not a primary forage plant, Calibrachoa can be used in controlled amounts to add variety to the diet of certain grazing livestock, such as tortoises.
- Floral Petal Confetti: After blooming, the petals of Calibrachoa can be collected and dried to be used as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations or events.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The Calibrachoa is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The Calibrachoa is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Celebration: The vibrant hot pink color of the Calibrachoa is often associated with joyous occasions and festive celebrations, making it a symbol of happiness and festivity.
- Youthful Energy: Calibrachoa's bright and lively appearance can represent the exuberance and enthusiasm of youth, embodying a spirit of vitality and freshness.
- Charm and Grace: The delicate form and graceful petal arrangement of the Calibrachoa flower symbolize elegance and a charming demeanor.
- Warmth and Affection: Hot pink, a color that the Calibrachoa exhibits, is often associated with warmth and affection, symbolizing a deep and nurturing love.
- Water
Calibrachoa, commonly known as Million Bells, should be watered regularly but with care to prevent waterlogging. They generally need watering once the top inch of soil feels dry, which can be about once a week, but this may vary depending on climate and weather conditions. An ideal watering method is to use a watering can or hose to water at the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves to reduce the risk of diseases. The amount of water typically required is around 16-24 ounces per plant, especially during hot, dry periods, but should be adjusted to the plant's needs and the weather.
- Light
The Million Bells require full to partial sun to flourish, thriving best in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight a day. However, in areas with very hot summers, afternoon shade will help protect the plant from intense heat that can stress it and cause the blooms to fade.
- Temperature
Million Bells prefer moderate to warm temperatures, ideally between 55°F and 65°F at night, and between 65°F and 85°F during the day. They can endure cooler temperatures down to about 50°F and continue to perform well, but they are not frost-tolerant and can suffer if exposed to temperatures below freezing.
- Pruning
Pruning Million Bells is important to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. Prune lightly throughout the growing season by snipping off faded flowers and any long, straggly shoots. This will stimulate new growth and fresh blossoms. The best time to prune is in the late spring or early summer to shape the plant and maintain its compact, mounded form.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
For the Million Bells (Calibrachoa), the best soil mix is well-draining and fertile, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.0. A mix of peat, compost, and perlite or vermiculite is ideal to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
- Repotting
Million Bells should be repotted annually to refresh the soil and accommodate growth, typically in spring before the onset of the growing season.
- Humidity & Misting
Million Bells thrive in moderate to high humidity levels, around 50-70%, which supports its continuous bloom and health.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light, well-drained soil, and regular feeding.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun to part shade and use well-draining soil.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
- Life cycle
The life of Calibrachoa 'Duealtihotpi', commonly known as Mini Petunia, begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil conditions. After germination, the seedling stage is characterized by the emergence of the first true leaves, indicating the establishment of the plant. The vegetative growth phase follows, where the plant develops a robust root system and ample foliage through the process of photosynthesis. Transitioning to the flowering stage, Mini Petunia produces vibrant hot pink blooms that attract pollinators and may facilitate cross-pollination, leading to seed formation. If seeds are produced, they can be collected and sown to generate new plants, continuing the propagation cycle. As a perennial in warm climates or annual in cooler regions, the life cycle duration may vary, ending with senescence and plant death, which can be postponed through pruning and proper care.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Calibrachoa Aloha Classic Tiki Hot Pink, commonly known as Million Bells, is through stem cuttings. This usually involves selecting a healthy stem without flowers, cutting a length of about 3 to 5 inches (approximately 7.6 to 12.7 cm) with a sharp, sterilized pair of scissors or pruning shears. The cut end of the stem is then dipped in rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. Afterward, the cutting is inserted into a well-draining soil mix, ensuring at least one or two nodes are buried beneath the surface. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, and the cutting should be placed in bright, indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which the new plant can gradually be acclimatized to normal growing conditions.