Million Bells Calibrachoa Romantic Pink (Romantic Series)

👤 Non-toxic to humans

🐾 Non-toxic to pets

🌸 Blooming

🍪 Not edible

‍🌱 Easy-care

ABOUT

Calibrachoa Romantic Pink, belonging to the Romantic Series, is best known for its abundant, small, petunia-like flowers that showcase a delicate and charming shade of pink. The blooms are often characterized by their soft, blush tones, sometimes with a gentle gradation of color that tends to be more saturated near the center, creating a subtle, romantic effect that is truly befitting of its name. The petals of the Calibrachoa Romantic Pink exhibit a velvety texture, and their shape is slightly funnel-like, which adds to the overall daintiness of each individual flower. While much attention is focused on the standout pink flowers, the plant itself has a trailing habit, with green, foliage that is both lush and compact. The leaves are small and oval-shaped, providing a rich green backdrop that beautifully contrasts the pink hue of the flowers. Throughout the blooming season, the Romantic Pink can become a dense cloak of color, with the flowers covering the plant so profusely that the foliage barely peeks through. This density of blooms adds to the visual impact of the plant, making it a popular choice for hanging baskets, containers, and garden borders where its cascading flowers can spill over the edges, creating a captivating floral display.

Plant Info

Care

Common Problems

About this plant

Names
- Family
  Solanaceae
- Synonyms
  Million Bells, Mini Petunia
- Common names
  Calibrachoa 'Romantic Pink'
Toxicity
- To humans
  Calibrachoa is not widely recognized as a toxic plant to humans. While there is limited information on the Romantic Pink variety's toxicity specifically, calibrachoa plants in general, including the Romantic Pink, are typically not considered poisonous. Therefore, they are not expected to cause harm if accidentally ingested in small quantities. However, as with any non-food plant, it is advisable to avoid ingestion as it can potentially lead to an upset stomach or an allergic reaction in some people due to plant compounds that humans cannot digest. If large quantities are eaten or if symptoms are observed, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider.
- To pets
  Calibrachoa, including the Romantic Pink variety, is not known to be toxic to pets. These plants are not listed among the common poisonous plants for household pets such as dogs and cats. There should not be any significant risk of poisoning if a pet happens to ingest a small amount of the plant. Nonetheless, due to the unpredictability of individual reactions and the general principle of not allowing pets to eat non-food plants, it’s best to prevent your pets from chewing on calibrachoa. If your pet consumes a large portion of the plant or displays any odd symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, after ingestion, you should contact your veterinarian.
Characteristics
- Life cycle
  Annuals
- Foliage type
  Evergreen
- Color of leaves
  Green
- Flower color
  Pink
- Height
  6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
- Spread
  12-24 inches (30-60 cm)
- Plant type
  Herb
- Hardiness zones
  9
- Native area
  South America

Benefits

General Benefits
- Continuous Blooming: Calibrachoa plants, commonly known as Million Bells, produce flowers throughout the growing season without the need for deadheading.
- Attracts Pollinators: They are known to attract beneficial pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds to the garden.
- Low Maintenance: Million Bells are relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep beyond regular watering and occasional fertilization.
- Versatile Use: They can be used in various garden settings, including hanging baskets, containers, window boxes, and as ground cover.
- Vibrant Colors: These plants offer a range of vibrant colors, with the Romantic Pink variety adding a soft, pastel hue to the garden palette.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, they can tolerate periods of drought, making them suitable for gardens in drier climates.
- Frost Resistant: Million Bells can withstand light frost, which can extend their flowering season in cooler climates.
- Compact Growth: Their mounded and trailing habit makes them an excellent choice for smaller gardens or spaces where a compact plant is desired.
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 be used as a natural, colorful backdrop for macro photography, creating delicate and romantic-themed photos.
- Fairy Gardens: These small, delicate flowers are perfect for use in fairy gardens, adding a touch of whimsy and magic.
- Craft Projects: Pressed Calibrachoa flowers can be used in making bookmarks, greeting cards, or in scrapbooking for a floral accent.
- Color Inspiration: The vibrant pinks of Calibrachoa can be used as color inspiration for interior design or artwork.
- Edible Garnish: Although not commonly consumed, if verified as pesticide-free, they might be used as an ornamental garnish for plating desserts for a pop of color—not to be eaten but to embellish the presentation.
- Theme Gardens: Calibrachoa can be used in creating theme gardens, like a monochromatic pink garden, pairing with other pink-flowering plants.
- Teaching Tool: This plant can be used in educational settings to teach children about pollination, as it attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.
- Gift Wrapping Accessory: Fresh or dried flowers can be used to adorn gift wrap or bags for a natural, decorative touch.
- Floating Decor: Blooms of Calibrachoa can float in bowls of water to create a romantic table centerpiece for events or dinners.
- Seasonal Wreaths: Dried Calibrachoa flowers can be incorporated into seasonal wreaths or other floral arrangements for a splash of color.

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
- Love and Romance: The common name, "Calibrachoa," does not carry specific historical meanings, but the "Romantic Pink" suggests themes of love and romance. The lush pink flowering can be interpreted as a symbol of gentleness, admiration, and heartfelt emotions typically associated with romantic gestures.
- Charm and Attraction: The vibrant pink hues are often thought to exhibit charm and attract positive attention, signifying that the plant can represent the allure and magnetism one might feel towards someone they are fond of.
- Youth and Joy: Generally, bright flowers like those of Calibrachoa are symbolic of youthfulness and the joyful exuberance that comes with younger love or the fresh beginnings of a romantic relationship.
- Gracefulness: Calibrachoas, with their delicate and dainty flowers, could be seen as a symbol of grace and poise, perhaps reflecting the elegance of a relationship or the dignified beauty within simple pleasures.

💧

Every 1-2 days

Water

☀️

2500 - 10000 Lux

Light

💦️

50%

Humidity

🪴

Every year

Repotting

🌱️

Spring-Early Summer

Propogation

✂️️

As needed

Pruning

Water
Million Bells, commonly referred to as Calibrachoa, require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Aim to water them when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which might be approximately every other day during hot, dry periods or once a week when the weather is cooler. Use roughly 16 to 24 ounces of water per plant each time you water, depending on the size of the pot and the environmental conditions. Be aware that these plants may need less frequent watering during the winter months when they are not actively growing.
Light
Million Bells thrive in full sun, which means they need exposure to direct sunlight for at least six hours per day. The best spot for these plants is in an area where they can receive plenty of bright, unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. If grown indoors, place them near a south-facing window to ensure they receive the correct amount of light.
Temperature
Million Bells prefer moderate temperatures and perform best when the weather ranges between 55°F and 85°F. They are generally cold-sensitive and may not survive temperatures below 32°F, so it's essential to protect them from frost. During the growing season, aim for an ideal temperature range of 65°F to 75°F.
Pruning
Million Bells benefit from occasional pruning to encourage bushier growth and more flowers. Trim back leggy stems or spent flowers every few weeks during the growing season. The best time for a more significant pruning is in mid-summer, which can refresh the plant and promote a new flush of blooms.
Cleaning
As needed
Soil
Calibrachoas, also known as million bells, thrive in a well-draining potting mix with peat moss and perlite or sand; the ideal pH range for the soil is slightly acidic to neutral, about 5.6 to 6.2.
Repotting
Million bells should be repotted every year to replenish the soil and to accommodate root growth; select a pot slightly larger than the previous one.
Humidity & Misting
Million bells prefer moderate to high humidity levels but are adaptable and can tolerate a range of humidity conditions.
Suitable locations
- Indoor
  Place million bells in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering.
- Outdoor
  Provide full sun to partial shade and protect from extreme cold.
- Hardiness zone
  9-11 USDA
Life cycle
The life of the Calibrachoa 'Romantic Pink', commonly called Million Bells, begins with seed germination, typically occurring in warm, moist soil conditions. After germination, the seedling grows into a young plant with roots, shoots, and rudimentary leaves, entering the vegetative growth stage where the plant focuses on leaf and stem development. As the plant matures and environmental conditions are favorable, it enters the flowering stage, producing vibrant pink blooms that attract pollinators. After pollination, if the plant is capable, it produces seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. Finally, as a tender perennial often grown as an annual, the plant may die back with the onset of cooler temperatures or may overwinter in mild climates, potentially re-emerging in the spring. Throughout the growing season, Million Bells requires regular feeding and pruning to encourage a bushy growth habit and continual blooming.
Propogation
- Propogation time
  Spring-Early Summer
- Propogation: Calibrachoa Romantic Pink, commonly known as mini petunia, is typically propagated through cuttings, as this is the most popular method. The ideal time for taking cuttings is late spring through summer, when the plant is actively growing. To propagate, one should select a healthy, non-flowering stem and cut a 3 to 4 inch (about 7.6 to 10.2 cm) portion just below a leaf node. The lower leaves are then removed, and the cut end is dipped into a rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cutting is then placed in a well-draining potting mix, ensuring at least one leaf node is below the soil surface. The environment needs to be kept humid and warm, around 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 21 to 24 degrees Celsius), with bright, indirect light, and the soil moist to touch. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, after which it can be transplanted to a larger pot or garden setting.