Million Bells Calibrachoa Superbells Pink = 'Uscali11' (PBR) (Superbells Series)
ABOUT
The Calibrachoa Superbells Pink is part of the Superbells Series and is known for its charming aesthetic. The plant is adorned with petite, trumpet-shaped flowers that boast a vibrant pink hue. Each bloom radiates a playful and inviting appeal that can brighten up any garden space. The blossoms are characterized by a slightly veined appearance, which gives them depth and texture. The throat of the flower may exhibit a subtle, yellow star pattern that creates a beautiful contrast with the pink petals. The plant itself tends to have a lush, green foliage providing a rich backdrop for the plentiful flowers that cascade over the sides, creating a delightful spill of color. Its overall habit is one of a bountiful sprawl of flowers that continually bloom, creating a long-lasting display of color throughout the growing season. The presentation of the Calibrachoa Superbells Pink is often described as vibrant and profuse, with the flowers densely packed to create an almost continuous swath of pink.
About this plant
- Names
Family
Solanaceae
Synonyms
Million Bells, Mini Petunia, Superbells Pink
Common names
Calibrachoa Superbells Pink = 'Uscali11' (PBR) (Superbells Series)
- 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
9-11
Native area
South America
Benefits
- General Benefits
- Continuous Blooming: The plant blooms prolifically from spring until first frost, providing long-lasting color in the garden or containers.
- Low Maintenance: Superbells are easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep beyond regular watering.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, these plants have good tolerance to dry conditions, making them suitable for areas where water conservation is necessary.
- Attracts Pollinators: The vibrant flowers attract beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
- Compact Growth: With a mounding trailing habit, they are perfect for hanging baskets, window boxes, and other containers where space may be limited.
- Versatile Usage: They can be used as a ground cover, in mixed borders, or as spillover planting, offering design flexibility in landscaping.
- Wide Range of Colors: Superbells come in a variety of colors, allowing gardeners to create diverse and colorful displays.
- Resistant to Pests and Diseases: They demonstrate a strong resistance to common garden pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- 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
- Art and Craft Inspiration: The vibrant pink colors of Superbells can inspire designs in various art forms, including watercolor painting, textile patterns, or jewelry beads representing the flower.
- Photography Subject: Superbells Pink make an excellent subject for macro photography or to practice depth-of-field techniques due to their intricate petal structures and vivid hues.
- Edible Flower Garnish: Although not a common use, the flowers can potentially be used to garnish desserts and drinks, assuming they are free from pesticides and are proven safe to consume.
- Decorative Ice Cubes: Freeze the flowers in ice cubes to add a splash of color and a floral touch to iced beverages for special occasions.
- Natural Confetti: Dried flowers can serve as biodegradable confetti for outdoor celebrations, decomposing naturally without harming the environment.
- Fairy Gardens: Their small size and bright colors make the Superbells Pink an enchanting addition to whimsical fairy garden designs.
- Creative Plant Markers: Pressed Superbells Pink flowers can be used to create unique, decorative plant markers for other plants in the garden.
- Homemade Potpourri: The dried flowers can be added to homemade potpourri mixes for a subtle fragrance and pop of color in the home.
- Signature Wrapping Embellishment: Fresh or dried blooms can adorn gift wrappings, adding a personal and natural touch to presents.
- Scented Bookmarks: Laminated Superbells Pink flowers can be used as scented bookmarks, offering a gentle fragrance while preserving the beauty of the flower.
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
- Celebration: The vibrant colors and continuous blooming of the Million Bells can symbolize festivities and joy, making it suitable for celebratory events.
- Charm: Its petite, bell-shaped flowers and trailing habit give Million Bells a whimsical and charming effect, often used in garden designs to add a touch of elegance.
- Inner Strength: Despite their delicate appearance, Million Bells are hardy plants that can handle challenging conditions, representing resilience and inner fortitude.
- Optimism: The bright pink hue of this variety of Million Bells encourages a positive outlook and an appreciation for the beauty in life.
- Water
Million Bells should be watered when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, which could vary from every few days to once a week, depending on climate conditions and the pot size. Generally, in containers, they may need water more frequently, especially in warmer weather. Use a gentle stream of water to avoid disrupting the soil and roots, providing enough water until it runs through the drainage holes. This could be about one to two gallons for a large hanging basket every watering session, ensuring consistent moisture without waterlogging the soil.
- Light
Million Bells thrive in full sun, which means they require at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. The best spot for these plants would be in a location where they are exposed to unfiltered sunlight, though they can tolerate very light shade. However, too much shade can reduce blooming and make the plant leggy.
- Temperature
Million Bells perform best in temperatures that range from 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night and between 65 and 85 degrees during the day. They can tolerate cooler temperatures down to about 35 degrees but should be protected from frost. The ideal conditions for consistent flowering and growth would be maintaining the temperature within these ranges as much as possible.
- Pruning
Pruning Million Bells is often not necessary, but deadheading or pinching back the tips can promote bushier growth and enhance flowering. If the plants become leggy or blooms diminish, prune them back to encourage new growth. The best time for pruning is mid-season or when you notice the plant looks tired and needs rejuvenation. Prune lightly every few weeks to maintain shape and flower production.
- Cleaning
As needed
- Soil
Million Bells thrive in well-draining potting soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Mix with peat moss, perlite, and compost to improve drainage and fertility for optimal growth.
- Repotting
Million Bells should be repotted annually, usually in the spring, into fresh soil to replenish nutrients and give roots space to grow.
- Humidity & Misting
Million Bells prefer moderate to high humidity levels but are adaptable to different humidity conditions as long as soil moisture is properly maintained.
- Suitable locations
Indoor
Place in bright, indirect light; maintain regular watering.
Outdoor
Full sun to partial shade; protect from strong winds and extreme heat.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
- Life cycle
The Calibrachoa Superbells Pink, also known as Mini Petunia, begins its life as a seed, germinating in warm soil with plenty of sunlight and moisture. Upon germination, the seedling emerges with cotyledons, followed by true leaves, and develops into a vegetative plant. As it matures, the Mini Petunia establishes a robust root system and begins to grow rapidly, producing a dense foliage of small, lance-shaped leaves. Flowering occurs in the late spring to early summer when daylight hours are long, with the plant producing numerous pink, petunia-like flowers that attract pollinators. After pollination, seeds develop, which will disperse naturally or can be collected for propagation. In the fall or with the onset of colder temperatures, the plant will enter a period of dormancy or may die if it is not perennial in the climate zone where it is grown.
- Propogation
Propogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating Calibrachoa Superbells Pink, which is known for its lovely pink blooms and is a patented variety, hence propagation may be restricted by the plant breeders' rights. However, for those varieties where propagation is allowed, the common method would be through softwood cuttings. This involves taking a 4 to 6-inch cutting from the tip of a stem, removing the lower leaves, and dipping the cut end into a rooting hormone. Then the cutting is placed in a well-draining potting mix. The environment should be kept humid, which can be accomplished by covering the pot with a plastic bag and placing it in indirect light. Roots typically develop within a few weeks, at which point the new Calibrachoa plant can gradually acclimate to less humid conditions before being planted outdoors.