Million Bells Calibrachoa Colibri Orange (Colibri Series)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

The Calibrachoa Colibri Orange is a striking plant known for its vibrant orange flowers that closely resemble miniature petunias. The small, trumpet-shaped blooms cover the plant with a profusion of color. Each flower has a pleasing symmetry with a gently flared mouth and a delicate, velvety texture reminiscent of petunias. The vibrant orange hue of the flowers is enriched by throat markings that may appear in a contrasting color, adding depth and interest to the display. The foliage of the Calibrachoa Colibri Orange is also attractive, with green, slender leaves that provide a lush background for the mass of colorful flowers. It is a popular choice for container gardening and hanging baskets where its abundant blossoms can spill over edges, creating a cascading effect. Its continuous flowering habit ensures that the plant remains a focal point of color and beauty throughout the growing season.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Solanaceae
- Synonyms
  Million Bells, Mini Petunia
- Common names
  Calibrachoa Colibri Orange.
Toxicity
- To humans
  Calibrachoa, the plant in question, is not commonly listed as toxic to humans. However, it is always possible for individuals to have allergic reactions or sensitivities to plants, so it is advisable to practice caution and not ingest parts of the plant. If any part of the plant is ingested and symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea occur, medical attention should be sought.
- To pets
  Calibrachoa is not generally known to be toxic to pets either. Although it is not listed as a poisonous plant for pets such as dogs and cats, it is still best to prevent them from ingesting the plant. If a pet does ingest calibrachoa and shows signs of distress, gastrointestinal upset, or unusual behavior, it is important to contact a veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Annuals
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Orange
- Height
  6-10 inches (15-25 cm)
- Spread
  12-18 inches (30-45 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  9
- Native area
  South America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Vibrant Color: Produces bright orange blooms that add a vivid splash of color to any garden space or container.
- Long Blooming Season: Offers a long flowering period from spring to frost, providing continuous beauty.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners or those new to gardening.
- Attracts Pollinators: Flowers attract bees and butterflies, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Compact Growth: Has a mounding habit, perfect for small spaces, hanging baskets, and as a filler in mixed containers.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, can tolerate dry conditions, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Cold Hardy: Able to withstand cooler temperatures better than some other annuals, extending its growing season in some climates.
- Easy to Propagate: Can be easily propagated from cuttings, allowing gardeners to expand their displays without additional cost.
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
- Calibrachoa, often known as million bells, can be used in miniature gardening to create a scaled-down landscape, which is beneficial for those who enjoy crafting fairy gardens or small-scale models.
- As an education tool, million bells can be utilized in schools or workshops to teach children and adults alike about plant care, life cycles, and the importance of pollinators.
- In photography, the vibrant orange blossoms of million bells can act as a natural backdrop for macro photography, enhancing the beauty of close-up photos of insects and other small subjects.
- Million bells can be used as a living mulch; when planted densely, they can cover the soil and help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature.
- For attracting wildlife, million bells can serve as a nectar source for hummingbirds and butterflies, thus supporting local biodiversity in a garden setting.
- During festive seasons, million bells can be incorporated into seasonal wreaths or floral arrangements as a live component, adding a fresh and vibrant touch to decorations.
- The cascading nature of million bells makes them ideal for creating living curtains or privacy screens on balconies or patios when grown in vertical containers or hangers.
- Million bells can be used in color-themed gardens to create a specific ambiance or visual effect; for instance, planting them with other orange-hued flowers for a warm, monochromatic display.
- In culinary settings, while not edible, million bells can be used as a non-toxic garnish for plating and presentation of dishes, if carefully cleaned and ensured to be free of pesticides.
- Million bells can contribute to horticultural therapy programs which aim to improve mental health, offering therapeutic horticulture activities like pruning, potting, and plant maintenance.

Interesting Facts

Feng Shui
The million bells is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign Compitability
The million bells is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism
- Energy and Enthusiasm: The bright orange color of the Calibrachoa is often associated with vitality and a vibrant spirit, embodying an energetic and enthusiastic approach to life.
- Optimism and Positivity: Orange flowers, like the Calibrachoa, symbolize a positive outlook and an optimistic perspective, often bringing cheer and brightness to gardens and spaces.
- Friendship and Sociability: Calibrachoa’s inviting hues may represent friendship and the joy of social interaction, suggesting warmth in relationships and a welcoming presence.
- Celebration and Joy: The festive and bright nature of Calibrachoa makes it a symbol of celebration and happiness, often used to mark joyful occasions and add a sense of fun.
- Adaptability and Resilience: As a plant with the ability to flourish in various conditions, Calibrachoa can symbolize adaptability and the resilience to thrive in different environments.

💧

Every 1-2 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

50%

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Million Bells should be watered regularly, ensuring that the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Typically, watering once a week with approximately 16-24 ounces of water per plant is adequate, though this may need to be adjusted based on temperature and humidity levels. During hot or windy days, they may require more frequent watering. It is crucial to avoid letting the plants dry out completely, as this can stress them and affect flowering.
Light
Million Bells thrives in full sun conditions, meaning it requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for these plants is where they will receive unfiltered sunlight for most of the day, which encourages abundant flowering and healthy growth. While they can tolerate some light shade, too much shade can lead to fewer blooms and leggy growth.
Temperature
Million Bells prefers warm temperatures and performs best when night temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit and day temperatures are below 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The plants can tolerate a temperature range from about 40 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit but will suffer if exposed to frost or prolonged temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing conditions are moderate temperatures with warm days and cool nights.
Pruning
Pruning Million Bells is essential to encourage bushier growth and more blooms. The best time to prune is in mid-summer, when the plant may start to look leggy or has fewer flowers. Pinch back the stems by approximately an inch, which will stimulate new growth and branching. Pruning can be done as necessary throughout the growing season to maintain shape and encourage fresh blooms.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Million Bells requires well-draining soil with a mix of peat, potting soil, and perlite or sand. It thrives in a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ideally between 5.6 and 6.2.
Repotting
Million Bells should ideally be repotted annually to replenish nutrients and encourage healthy growth, preferably in the spring as new growth begins.
Humidity & Misting
Million Bells prefers moderate to high humidity levels but is adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of humidity conditions found in most homes and gardens.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Use well-draining soil, bright indirect light, and keep at room temperature.
- Outdoor
  Plant in well-draining soil, full sun to partial shade, and water regularly.
- Hardiness zone
  9-11 USDA
Life cycle
The life cycle of the Calibrachoa 'Colibri Orange' begins with germination, where seeds sown in well-draining soil and under the right conditions of warmth and moisture sprout within 7-14 days. Seedlings then develop true leaves and gradually grow into young plants, a process that requires ample light and consistent moisture. As the plants mature, they enter the vegetative stage, producing lush foliage and branching out to form bushy mounds. This leads into the flowering stage, where 'Colibri Orange' showcases its vibrant, trumpet-shaped flowers throughout the warm months, usually from late spring through fall. During its peak blooming period, deadheading spent flowers encourages further blooming and maintains plant vigor. Finally, as temperatures drop or growth cycles complete, the plant enters senescence, where it will eventually die, completing its life cycle, unless it is grown as a perennial in mild climates or protected environments.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- The best time to propagate the Calibrachoa 'Colibri Orange', commonly known as Mini Petunia, is in late winter to early spring before the start of the growing season. The most popular method of propagation for Mini Petunias is through softwood cuttings. To propagate, choose a healthy plant and take a cutting of about 3 to 5 inches (7.5 to 12.7 centimeters) long, ensuring there are a couple of leaf nodes on the cutting. Strip off the lower leaves and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone. Then, insert the cutting into a well-draining soil mix, and maintain the moisture without making the soil soggy. Place the cutting in a bright, warm area with indirect sunlight, and roots should develop in a few weeks, after which the plant can be transplanted.