Million Bells Calibrachoa Colibri Fuchsia (Colibri Series)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Calibrachoa Colibri Fuchsia is a vibrant and showy plant that is part of the Colibri series. It is often referred to by its most common name, mini petunia, due to its resemblance to petunias in shape and size. The plant is adorned with an abundance of small, trumpet-shaped flowers that have a lush, deep fuchsia color. These blossoms are characterized by their velvety texture and may exhibit a slightly darker throat which can add depth to their appearance. Each bloom typically features five slightly lobed petals that are known for their long-lasting quality. This mini petunia is compact and has a lush, green foliage which provides a beautiful contrast to the striking fuchsia flowers. The leaves are small and oval-shaped, sometimes with a pointed tip and are a rich green hue, which helps accentuate the brightness of the flowers. Though diminutive in size, the plant makes up for its stature with a profuse flowering habit that covers the entire plant, creating a stunning display of color. Calibrachoa Colibri Fuchsia is favored for its continuous blooming throughout the growing season. Its overall appearance is one of a lush, full-bodied and rounded shape, abounding with vibrant blossoms that can make it a centerpiece in containers, hanging baskets, or as an eye-catching element in garden beds and borders. Its floral display and charming form can add intense splashes of color wherever it is planted, making it a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers who seek to create a lively and inviting garden space.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Solanaceae
- Synonyms
  Million Bells, Mini Petunia
- Common names
  Calibrachoa Colibri Fuchsia.
Toxicity
- To humans
  The plant commonly known as Million Bells is not known to be toxic to humans. However, if any part of the plant is ingested, it is always prudent to monitor for any adverse reactions and consult a medical professional, as individual sensitivities can vary.
- To pets
  Million Bells is considered to be non-toxic to pets. While ingestion of the plant is not expected to cause serious harm, gastrointestinal upset is possible if a pet consumes a significant amount of the plant. Owners should still watch for any signs of discomfort and seek veterinary care if symptoms appear after ingestion.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Annuals
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Fuchsia
- 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 Blooms: Calibrachoa, commonly known as Million Bells, produces an abundance of fuchsia-colored flowers that add a bright and lively touch to any garden space or potted arrangement.
- Extended Flowering Period: It blooms from spring through fall, providing long-lasting color in your garden or patio.
- Low Maintenance: Million Bells are known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep beyond regular watering and occasional fertilizing.
- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, promoting pollination and adding biodiversity to your garden.
- Compact Growth: Its compact, trailing growth habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets, containers, and as a border plant, offering versatility in landscaping and decoration.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Calibrachoa is somewhat drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens in drier climates or for gardeners who prefer low-water plants.
- Pest Resistance: This plant tends to be resistant to many common garden pests, which means it may require less pesticide use and maintenance.
- Versatile Usage: Calibrachoa can be used in a variety of garden settings, including as a groundcover or in rock gardens, adding flexibility to garden design.
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 Subject: Calibrachoa's vibrant fuchsia blooms make it an excellent subject for photographers, especially those specializing in botanical or nature photography.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists may use the bright colors and patterns of the Calibrachoa as inspiration for various forms of art, from painting to fabric design.
- Educational Tool: Gardening educators can use the Calibrachoa plant as a tool to teach about plant growth, hybridization, and care in gardening workshops or classes.
- Wedding Decor: The striking fuchsia flowers of Calibrachoa can be used for creating natural, romantic settings as part of wedding floral arrangements or venue decor.
- Color Dye: Although not commonly practiced, the pigments from the Calibrachoa flowers could potentially be used to create natural dyes for textiles or crafts.
- Craft Projects: The small but colorful flowers can be incorporated into various craft projects, including making homemade greeting cards or pressed flower art.
- Miniature Gardens: Due to their small size, Calibrachoas are well-suited for creating miniature fairy gardens or terrarium landscapes.
- Garden Photography Workshops: The plant's profusion of blooms can serve as an attractive feature during garden photography classes or workshops, teaching participants how to capture floral beauty.
- Feng Shui: In the practice of Feng Shui, bright flowers like those of Calibrachoa can be used to add color and positive energy to a space.
- Culinary Garnish: While not known for culinary use, the non-toxic blossoms of Calibrachoa could be used as a decorative, edible garnish for special dishes at events (after ensuring they are pesticide-free).

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
Million Bells is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
Million Bells is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Gratitude: Often gifted to express thanks due to its abundant blooms.
- Joy: The bright fuchsia color is commonly associated with happiness and a positive outlook on life.
- Admiration: With its vibrant color and attractive form, this plant is given to show deep admiration towards someone.
- Encouragement: The bold hues of Calibrachoa Colibri can symbolize motivation and support.
- Beauty: The striking beauty of the flowers is emblematic of aesthetic appreciation and natural beauty.

💧

Every 1-2 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

50%

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring to Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Million Bells should be watered regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. During hot weather, they may need watering once a day, especially if they're in containers. Ensure the top inch of soil is dry before watering again, which could translate to every 2-3 days depending on the climate conditions. Provide about 16 ounces of water per plant, each time you water, ensuring even saturation of the soil.
Light
Million Bells thrives in a location that receives full sun to partial shade, with a preference for full sun. The plant will perform best when it receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight a day, so place it in a spot where it can get ample light without being overshadowed by taller plants or structures.
Temperature
Million Bells prefer a temperature range of 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night and between 65 to 85 degrees during the day. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50 degrees but should be protected from frost. For optimal growth, ensure that the plant is not exposed to temperatures above 85 degrees for prolonged periods.
Pruning
Pruning Million Bells is necessary to promote bushier growth and maintain a tidy shape. Pinch back the stem tips every few weeks to encourage branching. The best time for pruning is in late spring or early summer, before the plant reaches its full blooming potential, and regular maintenance can continue through the growing season.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Million Bells prefer a well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand to improve drainage. Aim for a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.0 for optimal growth. Regular potting soil with added compost can work well if drainage is ensured.
Repotting
Million Bells should be repotted annually, usually in the spring, as they are fast growers and can quickly become root-bound in their containers.
Humidity & Misting
Million Bells thrive at average humidity levels. They do not require high humidity, making them suitable for standard outdoor conditions where they are commonly grown.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering for indoor Million Bells.
- Outdoor
  Place Million Bells in full sun to part shade and ensure well-draining soil.
- Hardiness zone
  9-11 USDA
Life cycle
The life of a Calibrachoa 'Colibri Fuchsia', commonly known as Million Bells, begins with seed germination, which occurs in warm, moist soil conditions, typically in early spring or under controlled conditions in a greenhouse. After sprouting, the seedlings grow rapidly into young plants with a profusion of small, trumpet-shaped fuchsia flowers and begin to establish a strong root system. Throughout the growing season, Calibrachoa 'Colibri Fuchsia' enters its vegetative stage, during which leaf and stem growth continue, and it benefits from regular feeding and full sun exposure. The plant reaches maturity when it achieves its full size and flowering potential, usually within a few weeks of planting out in its final location. Flowering continues prolifically all summer long and often into fall, especially if spent blooms are regularly deadheaded to encourage new flowers. As temperatures drop and daylight decreases, the plant completes its annual life cycle, slowly fading and withering with the first frosts, unless it is in a climate where it is treated as a perennial or it is brought indoors to overwinter.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring to Summer
- The most popular method for propagating Calibrachoa, commonly known as Million Bells, is via softwood cuttings. This is typically carried out during spring through summer when the plant is actively growing. To do this, you would cut a healthy stem from the parent plant, ensuring it is about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.6 to 10.2 centimeters) in length and includes several leaf nodes. The lower leaves are then removed and the cut end of the stem is dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. This cutting is then planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept under warm, moist conditions until roots have established, which generally takes a few weeks.