Million Bells Calibrachoa Minifamous Double PinkTastic = 'Kleca18085' (Minifamous Series) (d)
ABOUT
The Calibrachoa Minifamous Double PinkTastic, belonging to the Minifamous Series, is a delightful flowering plant known for its vibrant appearance and cascading habit. This variety features double-flowered blooms, which present a full and intricate look compared to single-flowered species. The flowers are a charming soft pink hue with pronounced darker pink veins radiating from the center, giving them a striking and detailed appearance. The inner throat of each bloom commonly displays a cheerful yellow tone, adding to the warmth and depth of the overall floral presentation. The petals are somewhat ruffled, enhancing the plant's plush and ornamental quality. Surrounding these plush flowers, the foliage provides a lush green backdrop, with small, oblong leaves that have a slightly pointed shape, appearing both delicate and abundant. Together, the bountiful blooms and vibrant green leaves create a picturesque display, making the Calibrachoa Minifamous Double PinkTastic an eye-catching addition to any container garden, hanging basket, or floral arrangement where a splash of soft yet vivid color is desired.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Solanaceae
Synonyms
Million Bells, Mini Petunia
Common names
Calibrachoa Minifamous Double PinkTastic = 'Kleca18085' (Minifamous Series) (d).
- Toxicity
To humans
Generally, Calibrachoa is not considered toxic to humans. However, as with any plant, it is still possible for some individuals to experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction if they have sensitive skin or allergies when handling the plant. Ingestion of Calibrachoa is not expected to cause more than mild gastrointestinal upset, if any symptoms occur at all. Serious toxicity or severe symptoms are not typical from ingesting the flowers or foliage of this plant.
To pets
Calibrachoa is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is not listed as a poisonous plant to cats, dogs, or other domestic animals. Nonetheless, ingestion of non-food items, including plants like Calibrachoa, can sometimes result in gastrointestinal upset in pets, such as vomiting or diarrhea. If a pet exhibits signs of illness after ingesting any plant, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
- Characteristics
Life cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
10-12 inches (25-30 cm)
Spread
12-14 inches (30-35 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
9
Native area
South America
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Attractive Blooms: The Calibrachoa Minifamous Double PinkTastic has double, petunia-like flowers in a striking pink color that can add visual interest to any garden or container.
- Long Flowering Season: This plant typically offers a long blooming period from late spring to fall, providing a consistent display of color.
- Compact Growth Habit: Its compact and mounding growth habit makes it suitable for small gardens, hanging baskets, and mixed containers.
- Low Maintenance: Known for being low maintenance, it requires minimal care once established, aside from regular watering and occasional feeding.
- Drought Tolerant: It exhibits a degree of drought tolerance, making it a good choice for gardeners with water restrictions or who prefer less watering.
- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant flowers can attract butterflies and hummingbirds, which are beneficial for pollination and the overall health of the garden.
- Versatile Usage: It can be used in various gardening settings, including borders, containers, and as a ground cover, due to its versatile nature.
- 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
- Edible Flower Garnishes: Calibrachoa flowers are non-toxic and can be used to add a touch of elegance when garnishing desserts or drinks.
- Photography Prop: The vibrant pink blooms of Calibrachoa make it an excellent subject or backdrop for plant photography enthusiasts.
- Art Inspiration: Artists may draw inspiration from the double petal patterns and colors of Calibrachoa for paintings, illustrations, or designs.
- Educational Tool: Calibrachoa can be used in educational settings to teach about plant growth, hybridization, and floriculture practices.
- Fairy Gardens: The small size and visually appealing nature of Calibrachoa make them suitable for inclusion in fairy gardens or miniature landscapes.
- Nature-Inspired Crafts: Pressed Calibrachoa flowers can be used in crafting, such as in handmade paper, bookmarks, or jewelry.
- Color Themed Events: They can be utilized as live décor for events that have a specific color theme matching the pink hues of the flowers.
- Creative Planters: Calibrachoa’s versatility allows them to be grown in unconventional planters, such as shoes or teacups, for quirky garden displays.
- Seasonal Celebrations: The flowers can be integrated into springtime celebrations and Easter decorations due to their pastel color and seasonal blooming patterns.
- Container Garden Teaching: Calibrachoa's ease of growing in containers makes it a perfect example for teaching about balcony and small space gardening.
Interesting Facts
- Feng Shui
The plant Calibrachoa is not used in Feng Shui practice.
- Zodiac Sign Compitability
The plant Calibrachoa is not used in astrology practice.
- Plant Symbolism
- Joy: The vibrant pink color of the Calibrachoa is often associated with joy and happiness, injecting a cheerful splash into any garden or floral arrangement.
- Energy: As a plant that is full of life and color, it symbolizes high energy or vitality, reflecting its invigorating appearance.
- Gratitude: The gift of Calibrachoa can be a gesture of thanks, its bountiful blooms expressing appreciation and thankfulness.
- Charm: The dainty doubled flowers are seen as charming and endearing, often used to symbolize an enchanting personality or environment.
- Femininity: The soft, delicate appearance of the pink blossoms is commonly linked to qualities considered traditionally feminine, such as grace and gentleness.
- Water
Million Bells, commonly known as Calibrachoa, should be watered regularly to maintain moist but not soggy soil. They prefer a thorough watering every few days rather than a little water every day, with the frequency depending on weather conditions. During hotter periods, watering may be needed every other day, with about 1/4 to 1/2 gallon per plant being sufficient each time. During cooler or overcast weather, watering once a week with the same amount of water may suffice. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering to avoid overwatering.
- Light
Million Bells thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. They perform best in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown indoors, they should be placed near a south or west-facing window to ensure they get enough light. Avoid deep shade, as this will diminish blooming and may cause leggy growth.
- Temperature
Million Bells are heat tolerant and flourish in a temperature range of 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night and 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. They can handle occasional dips just below 50 degrees Fahrenheit but prolonged exposure to cold can be detrimental. The ideal temperature is part of what makes them excellent for outdoor summer gardens, but they should be protected from frost.
- Pruning
Million Bells benefit from regular pruning to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Deadheading is not necessary as they are self-cleaning, but pinching back the stems every few weeks can promote a more compact shape. The best time to prune is in the late spring or early summer, before the plant reaches its full growth.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
The best soil mix for Calibrachoa, commonly known as Million Bells, is well-draining and fertile, consisting of a balance of peat moss, perlite, and potting soil. It should have a slightly acidic to neutral pH, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5, to ensure proper nutrient absorption and plant vigor.
- Repotting
Million Bells generally need to be repotted annually. However, as they are often grown as annuals, repotting may only be necessary when overwintering or if the plant has outgrown its current container.
- Humidity & Misting
Million Bells thrive in moderate humidity levels. They prefer outdoor environments where natural humidity sustains their growth, but there is no need for specific humidity adjustments unless the air is extremely dry.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and limited water.
Outdoor
Place in full sun to partial shade, moderate watering.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
- Life cycle
Calibrachoa 'Minifamous Double PinkTastic' begins its life cycle when seeds are sown into a well-draining, consistently moist growing medium. Germination typically occurs in a warm environment with temperatures around 70-75°F. Once germinated, the seedlings emerge with cotyledons before developing their true leaves and progressively growing into juvenile plants. These young plants gradually mature and start to develop a profusion of double, petunia-like pink flowers. Throughout the growing season, the plant continues to produce blossoms, setting seeds if pollination occurs. The plant’s life cycle may end after the growing season if it is treated as an annual, or it can be overwintered in climates where it is perennial, going dormant in cooler temperatures and reemerging the following spring.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Calibrachoa, commonly referred to as million bells, is typically propagated by cuttings as this method helps to maintain the characteristics of the cultivar. To propagate million bells through cuttings, a grower will select a healthy, non-flowering stem and snip off a 3 to 5-inch (7.6 to 12.7 cm) section. It's important to make the cut just below a leaf node, as this area contains high concentrations of growth hormones. The lower leaves are then stripped, and the cut end may be dipped in a rooting hormone before being inserted into a soilless growing medium. The cutting should be kept under high humidity and moderate temperatures until roots develop, after which it can be potted up. This method is efficient and reliable, resulting in plants that are true to the parent in form and flower.