Million Bells Calibrachoa Can-can Cherry Blossom (Can-can Series)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Calibrachoa Can-can Cherry Blossom, commonly known as the Mini Petunia, showcases a delightful interplay of colors that bring to mind the soft hues of cherry blossoms. Its flowers are a remarkable blend of pink and yellow with a prominent deep pink center, radiating in a striking pattern towards light pink edges and occasionally touched with hints of yellow. These flowers resemble miniature petunias, boasting a funnel shape that's a hallmark of the Mini Petunia's charm. The plant bears an abundance of these small, vibrant blooms that create a lush and colorful display, often spilling over the edges of hanging baskets, containers, or cascading elegantly in window boxes. Its foliage is typically green, providing a dense and leafy backdrop that further accentuates the floral show. The leaves are small, adding to the dainty appearance of this cultivar, and they blend seamlessly with the profuse blooming habit of the Mini Petunia. Overall, the Mini Petunia presents a striking visual with its Cherry Blossom-inspired blossoms, making it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers alike who are seeking to infuse their spaces with continuous blooms and an uplifting color palette reminiscent of springtime cherry blossoms.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Solanaceae
- Synonyms
  Mini Petunia, Million Bells, Calibrachoa Can-can Cherry Blossom
- Common names
  Calibrachoa Can-can Cherry Blossom.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The Calibrachoa, commonly known as "Million Bells", is not known to be toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, it is possible that sensitive individuals could experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction upon handling or accidental ingestion. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning from Calibrachoa, and it is generally considered safe around humans. Nonetheless, ingesting any part of the plant is not advisable, and if someone does ingest Calibrachoa and experiences adverse effects, medical attention should be sought.
- To pets
  The Calibrachoa, commonly referred to as "Million Bells", is not listed as toxic to pets by the ASPCA and other major pet poison organizations. Therefore, it is generally considered safe for pets such as cats and dogs. However, it is always possible for an individual animal to have a sensitivity or allergic reaction to any plant. If a pet ingests a large amount of Calibrachoa and shows signs of distress such as vomiting, diarrhea, or unusual behavior, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian. Nonetheless, the ingestion of any plant material can potentially cause gastrointestinal upset in pets, so it is still wise to prevent your pets from eating the plant.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Annuals
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  1 foot [30 cm]
- Spread
  2 feet [60 cm]
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  9
- Native area
  South America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Colorful Display: The Calibrachoa Can-can Cherry Blossom offers vibrant pink flowers with a yellow throat, adding a splash of color to any garden or container.
- Continuous Blooming: It has an extended blooming period, often from spring to frost, ensuring a long-lasting display of flowers.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is known for its easy care, requiring minimal upkeep which is ideal for busy gardeners or beginners.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it can tolerate periods of dryness, making it a good choice for drought-prone regions.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers can attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees, beneficial for pollination in your garden.
- Versatile Usage: Suitable for hanging baskets, containers, and as a ground cover, the plant offers flexible landscaping options.
- Disease Resistance: It is generally resistant to common garden pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions.
- Space Efficient: The plant's compact growth makes it suitable for small spaces and urban gardens without sacrificing visual impact.
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
- Photography Prop: Calibrachoa can provide a vibrant backdrop or accent for close-up photographs of insects, small animals, or other plants.
- Pressing and Scrapbooking: The blossoms can be pressed and used in scrapbooking or making homemade cards for a touch of natural beauty.
- Educational Tool: Calibrachoa plants can be used in educational settings to teach children about the growth cycle of plants and gardening basics.
- Ephemeral Art: The flowers can be used to create temporary artworks, such as petal mosaics or natural mandalas that decompose over time.
- Floral Water: Soak the petals to infuse water with a subtle tint and a gentle fragrance, for use in beauty routines or simply as a refreshing drink.
- Dye Source: The pigments in the petals may be used in the creation of natural dyes for fabrics, yarns, or papers.
- Crafting Material: The blossoms can be incorporated into homemade potpourri or used to adorn wreaths and other craft projects.
- Perfume Inspiration: While not traditionally used for making perfume, the scent of the flowers could inspire new aromatic blends or candle scents.
- Seed Harvesting: Collecting seeds from Calibrachoa plants can be a hobby for those interested in plant breeding or propagation.
- Nature-Inspired Decor: Live or dried Calibrachoa can be used to enhance the aesthetics of indoor terrariums or fairy gardens.

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
- Transformation: The Calibrachoa's ability to bloom and rebloom throughout the season symbolizes ongoing transformation and renewal in life.
- Adaptability: Known for its ability to thrive in various conditions, Calibrachoa represents versatility and the capacity to adapt to different environments.
- Charm: With its Cherry Blossom-like flowers, Calibrachoa is often associated with delicate beauty and an enchanting presence.
- Youthful Energy: The vibrant, cascading blooms convey a sense of freshness and vivacity, akin to the exuberance of youth.
- Gratitude: The abundance of flowers may be seen as a symbol of thankfulness, making it a perfect gift to express appreciation.

💧

Every 1-2 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
The Million Bells plant needs consistent moisture, but it's important not to overwater. Generally, watering once every week with about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water per plant should suffice; however, this can vary depending on the climate and whether the plant is located in the ground or in a container. In hot, dry weather, you might need to water more often, ensuring the soil stays slightly moist but never soggy. Reduce the frequency of watering during cooler or rainy periods to prevent root rot. It's best to water the plants thoroughly to encourage deep root growth.
Light
Million Bells thrive in full sun, which encourages abundant flowering. The best spot for the plant would be where it can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. While it can tolerate partial shade, flowering may be reduced in less sunny spots. Ensuring the plant has full sun exposure will lead to healthier growth and more vibrant blooms.
Temperature
Million Bells prefer warm conditions and perform best when temperatures are between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night and between 65 and 85 degrees during the day. They can survive down to about 35 degrees, but frost can damage or kill the plants. The ideal temperature range is crucial for continuous blooming and healthy growth, and these plants should not be exposed to temperatures below freezing.
Pruning
Pruning Million Bells is necessary to encourage a bushier growth and more blooms. Pinch off the tips of the stems and remove any faded or dead flowers monthly. The best time for a more significant pruning to shape the plant is in late winter or early spring, before the onset of the new growing season. Regular trimming helps prevent the plants from becoming leggy and keeps them looking their best.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Million bells thrive in well-draining, fertile soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. A good mix would consist of equal parts peat moss, potting soil, and perlite to ensure proper drainage and aeration.
Repotting
Million bells should typically be repotted every spring to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. They can become root-bound, so checking annually is recommended.
Humidity & Misting
Million bells prefer moderate to high humidity levels but are adaptable and can tolerate lower humidity if not extreme.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place in bright indirect light and keep soil slightly moist.
- Outdoor
  Full to partial sun, well-draining soil, water when topsoil is dry.
- Hardiness zone
  9-11 USDA
Life cycle
Calibrachoa, commonly known as Million Bells, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown, usually indoors, to protect them from the elements. After germination, seedlings emerge; this stage is crucial for establishing a healthy root system and foliage. As the plant enters the vegetative growth phase, stems and leaves expand rapidly, provided the plant has adequate light, water, and nutrition. Following the vegetative stage, Calibrachoa enters the flowering period where it produces vivid, bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators and add aesthetic value to gardens and containers. After pollination, if conditions are favorable, the plant will produce seeds, completing the reproductive stage of its life cycle. Eventually, as temperatures drop or conditions become less favorable, the plant will enter into a period of dormancy or die, especially if it's treated as an annual in colder climates.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Propogation: The Calibrachoa, commonly referred to as Million Bells, is easily propagated primarily through stem cuttings. This method is favored for its efficiency and the resulting genetic consistency of the plants it produces. To accomplish this, a healthy, vigorous stem is selected during the plant's growing season, which is typically in the spring or early summer. A 4 to 6-inch (about 10 to 15 centimeters) cutting is snipped just below a node, and the lower leaves are removed. The cutting is then dipped in a rooting hormone to encourage root development and planted in a moist, well-draining soil mixture. Under the proper conditions of warmth and humidity, roots usually form within a few weeks, after which the young plant can be transferred to a more permanent location.