Calibrachoa Plants

Growing Requirements

• When calibrachoa is planted in full sunlight, the plant will bloom without stopping from late spring until the first frost in autumn. In partial shade, flowering is decreased. Calibrachoa is drought-tolerant and does well in hot summers. In wet soil, calibrachoa is prone to root rot. While calibrachoa has varieties that bloom in red, hot pink, purple and other petunia-like colors, unlike the petunia, it is also available in bright orange.

Uses

• Calibrachoa is often planted in patio containers, hanging baskets or window boxes where the attractive foliage and masses of bright blooms show off to best advantage as the plant cascades over the side of its container. Some varieties are low-growers, useful in a border or as a sprawling ground cover.

General Care

• Caring for calibrachoa is an easy job, as the plant's needs are few. Calibrachoa is drought-tolerant and the top of the soil should be dry before watering again. Conversely, the soil shouldn't be allowed to become bone dry. Check containerized plants daily during hot weather, as the soil dries quickly. Calibrachoa is a self-cleaning plant that doesn't require deadheading.

Climate

• Calibrachoa is planted as an annual in most climates, as the plant can tolerate only very light frost. In U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 and above, calibrachoa will usually survive the winter and return for another year of blooming. Calibrachoa may overwinter with protection in hardiness zone 8.