Planting million bells in hanging baskets is a great way to add color and beauty to any outdoor space. To begin, you will need to purchase a hanging basket for your million bells. Most hanging baskets come with a pre-formed planting container in which to plant your million bells.
Fill the planting container with high-quality potting soil mixed with 1/3rd of compost. Once you’ve filled the basket, dig 1-2 inch (2.5-5cm) holes in the soil, spacing them 6 inches (15cm) apart, depending on the variety and size of the million bells.
Gently place each plant in its individual soil hole, and pat down the soil around the base of the plant. When all the plants have been planted, water the hanging basket deeply and evenly. Make sure to water it regularly and give it plenty of sunshine to encourage flowers to bloom.
Are Calibrachoa suitable for hanging baskets?
Yes, Calibrachoa are a great choice for hanging baskets. This vibrant and beautiful annual plant is capable of sprawling over the side of a hanging basket, but it won’t overwhelm the container. It has a mounding habit and can reach up to 20 inches tall and 12 inches wide, so it fits in well with most hanging baskets.
You can choose from an array of sizes, shapes, and colors when shopping for Calibrachoa. It is an easy-to-care-for annual and will produce an abundance of colorful blooms which can last up to four months.
It can also attract hummingbirds and butterflies, so it adds beauty and interest to your outdoor living space.
Calibrachoa only requires moderate amounts of water and can also tolerate heat and humidity, so it is a good choice for hanging baskets placed in hot and sunny locations. Additionally, it does not require any deadheading, which means it requires minimal maintenance.
How do you take care of a Calibrachoa in a hanging basket?
Caring for a Calibrachoa in a hanging basket starts with proper planting. Place the hanging basket in an area with plenty of sunlight (at least 6 hours a day). Fill the basket with a well-draining potting mix and add a slow-release fertilizer before planting.
Once the Calibrachoa has been planted, water the soil thoroughly. As the plant grows, it will need to be watered more often. Check the moisture of the soil and water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Additionally, every few weeks, water the plant with a diluted liquid fertilizer to encourage blooms.
To keep the hanging basket full and colorful, pinch off dead and spent blooms. Calibrachoa is a prolific bloomer and deadheading regularly will encourage more blooms to form. If the growing containers becomes too crowded with foliage, gently trim back branches to maintain the desired size.
Regularly check for insects and diseases and treat as necessary. Aphids and spider mites are common pests that attack Calibrachoa. Additionally, leaf spot and powdery mildew can occur with high humidity.
Treat with an insecticidal soap or fungicide, as needed.
What plants go well with million bells?
Million bells, also known as calibrachoa, pair beautifully with diascia, lobelia, petunias, vinca vine, and bouganvillea. All of these plants have similar needs and thrive in many of the same conditions, making them a great companion species to put in the same garden bed or container.
When planting calibrachoa and other annuals, it’s important to avoid overcrowding as that can reduce air flow and encourage disease. You can also employ a trellis to help support the blooms of vinca vine and petunias as they climb up.
Provide your garden bed or container with plenty of sunlight (minimum of 6-8 hours a day) and well-draining soil.
Million bells require proper water and fertilizer to ensure they bloom throughout the growing season. Always water your plants deeply and thoroughly, and deadhead blooms often to encourage more blooms.
Be sure to fertilize regularly throughout the growing season to replenish any nutrients lost due to leeching.
Do million bells bloom all summer?
No, million bells (Calibrachoa) do not bloom all summer. They typically bloom from late spring to early fall and can be found in a wide variety of colors, including purple, pink, white, yellow, and orange.
For the most impressive display of blooms, you’ll want to deadhead the spent blossoms on a regular basis to encourage continued blooming. For the healthiest plants, it is important to provide million bells with ample water and to plant them in a well-drained soil in a location where they will receive six to eight hours of direct sun each day.
Do you need to deadhead million bells?
Yes, it is necessary to deadhead million bells in order to keep the plant looking good, encourage further blooming, and maintain overall health. Deadheading is the process of removing faded or dead flowers from a plant in order to rejuvenate growth and redirect the energy towards producing more vibrant, colorful blooms.
This is especially important to million bells, since they are known as heavy bloomers, and deadheading helps to ensure that they stay in bloom throughout the growing season. To deadhead million bells, simply use a pair of garden scissors or pruners to snip off any dead or fading flowers on the stem.
Be sure to leave at least 2 inches of stem behind, in order to promote additional growth.
What looks good next to coral bells?
Coral bells look great when contrasted with deep green plants, such as hostas, brunnera and ferns, for a dramatic foliage effect. To provide more color, pair them with summer blooming perennials, such as coneflower, rudbeckia, and hibiscus.
If a cottage garden style is desired, yarrow, monkshood and achillea wil be welcome additions. Grasses provide an additional element of texture, and can be used to create a natural, flowing border. Care must be taken to ensure appropriate sunlight and watering levels for each plant, as well as to prevent overcrowding and competition for nutrients.
With careful consideration, a beautiful display of coral bells and complementary plants can be created.
How far apart do you plant million bells?
It is recommended to plant million bells between 6 and 12 inches apart. The exact distance depends on the variety of million bells you are planting and the growing conditions in your area. It is always a good idea to read the planting instructions on the back of the seed packet or the plant container tag to get the best results.
Generally, larger varieties of million bells should be planted further apart than shorter varieties. For example, a variety such as ‘Chiffon Rose Super Dwarf’ should be planted 6 inches apart, while a variety such as ‘Olympic Star’ can be planted 12 inches apart.
When planting, it is important to dig a hole at least twice as deep and two to three times as wide as the root ball of the plant. After planting, be sure to firm the soil around the roots to ensure good soil-to-root contact.
Finally, be sure to water your plants deeply after planting for best establishment.
Will million bells come back every year?
Yes, million bells (also known scientifically as ‘Nymphaea rugia’) will come back every year. Million bells is a perennial plant, meaning that while the plants may die back over the winter months, they will typically return in the spring with new blooms.
These plants are drought tolerant, so they prefer well-drained soils and can tolerate periods of dryness. They are also cold hardy, meaning they can survive temperatures as low as 0-5 degrees Fahrenheit and can live in USDA zones 3-11.
To help indroduce new blooms each year it is best to deadhead faded or deteriorating blooms, cut back stems during the winter months, and provide adequate soil fertility through compost or fertilizer.
With proper care and maintenance, million bells should be a welcomed return to your garden space each year!.
How big do million bells get?
Million bells (Calibrachoa) are part of the petunia family and, although usually trailing plants, can reach heights of between six and 30 inches when planted in hanging baskets, window boxes or other containers.
Its sheer abundance of brightly colored flowers, usually pink, purple, red, yellow and white, gives it its name due to the million of blooms covering its trailing stems from spring until autumn. The individual blooms are relatively small, just over half an inch wide.
In addition to their vibrant colors, the shrub’s strong, sweet aroma is often compared to that of petunias and can be smelled from quite far away.
Are million bells annual or perennial?
Million bells, also known as the Calibrachoa plant, is a perennial flowering plant that is popular with gardeners for its vibrant flowers and easy care. The plant is native to Argentina and Uruguay and grows best in full sun with temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
It will survive in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11, but can be grown as an annual in other areas. The first year, the plant grows 4 to 12 inches tall and spreading. In subsequent years, it will reach a height of 6 to 14 inches with a spread of 10 to 20 inches.
The vibrant blooms begin in early summer and keep coming until the first frost. Deadheading is recommended for optimal bloom production and for keeping the plant looking neat. With proper care, million bells can continue to bloom for up to three years.
How do you take care of million bells in the winter?
Million bells (also known as calibrachoa) is an easy-to-care-for annual that can brighten up your garden all summer long. Although they are mostly known as summer plants, they can usually withstand the winter temperatures if cared for properly.
The key to winterizing million bells is to use proper mulching and prepare for any cold fronts. Begin by adding about 4 inches of mulch around the plants before the first frost. This helps to insulate the soil and protect the roots from extreme temperature changes.
It’s also important to check the million bells regularly for pests and diseases, as these can weaken the plant and make it more vulnerable to cold temperatures. Pruning the plants in mid to late summer will ensure new growth has time to develop prior to winter.
During cold fronts, you can cover the million bells with a frost blanket to help keep them safe. Be sure to lift the blanket off in the morning once the temperature has warmed up and keep an eye on the weather.
If temperatures drop significantly and you don’t have a frost blanket, try using an overturned flower pot or cold frame to provide some protection.
Once spring arrives, it’s important to wait until the last frost has passed before you begin to uncover or remove mulch from the million bells. And keep an eye out for signs of new growth – this is a good indication that the plants have come through the winter unscathed.
Taking these simple steps will help ensure a successful winter for your million bells.
Can million bells be cut back?
Yes, million bells (also known as Calibrachoa) can be cut back. The best time to do this is in late winter/early spring when the plant is beginning to wake up from its dormant period. This can help to encourage new growth and reduce the plant’s overall size.
When cutting back, make sure to use sharp garden shears, prune away the dead or unhealthy stems, and use sterilized shears between plants to avoid any spread of disease. Additionally, it’s important to cut back the stems to just above a leaf node, where new stem growth will begin.
Cutting back the stems will not only encourage new growth, but also make the plant more attractive as the flowers bloom.
Should coral bells be cut back for winter?
Yes, coral bells should be cut back for winter. Doing so will help ensure they have plenty of space and light to grow in the spring, while also encouraging new shoots to form. To cut them back, trim away any browning, withered leaves and stems.
Avoid cutting into any new growth as this may cause damage. Also, take care to cut at an angle above any healthy buds, as these will turn into plants next spring. Once all dead or damaged parts have been removed, lightly prune the remaining stems and foliage to the desired shape and size.
Finally, use a quality mulch to protect the soil and help retain moisture.
Can coral bells survive the winter?
Yes, coral bells are typically hardy plants and can survive the winter in many regions. They are rated for cold hardiness down to USDA Plant Hardiness Zone 3, so in most cases, they can tolerate temperatures down to -40°F (-40°C).
However, coral bells are native to woodland and rocky areas, meaning they prefer a sheltered, slightly shady location with consistently moist, but well-drained soil. Overwintering coral bells in cold climates is possible, but it requires some extra preparation in order to ensure the plant’s survival.
When temperatures dip, it is important to mulch the base of the plant to provide insulation, and to water it until the ground freezes. If there is extreme cold, it is beneficial to use a plant cover or wrap to further protect the plant and keep it warm where needed.
Additionally, monitoring the condition of the coral bells throughout the winter is important and it helps to replenish or prune the mulch to ensure the best protection and insulation. With proper preparation and care, coral bells can easily survive the winter season.
How often should I water my million bells?
When it comes to watering your million bells, the amount and frequency you should water them will depend on several factors, such as the soil, temperature, light, and humidity in your area. As a rule of thumb, million bells should be watered when the soil is almost dry.
You can check this by sticking your finger about 2-4″ into the soil and if it feels dry, it’s time to water.
During the hotter summer months, you may need to water more frequently. If temperatures are high, you may need to water twice a day. Make sure to water deeply and saturate the soil. If the temperatures are cooler and there is good humidity, you can water less often, maybe once every few days.
Another helpful tip is to mulch your million bells with straw or wood chips and let the soil retain moisture. This will also help keep the soil temperature consistent.
If you can, it’s best to water your million bells in the morning, as this will help reduce the risk of fungal problems that could develop due to wet soil overnight.
All in all, when caring for million bells, you will need to keep an eye on the light, moisture, soil, and temperature in your area and water accordingly.
Why are my million bells not growing?
Million bells, also known as calibrachoa, are some of the most vibrant and easy-to-grow flowers. Unfortunately, even the hardiest and most well-tended plants can have their growth stalled or even stunted in a variety of circumstances.
Your million bells may not be growing because they are lacking a vital nutrient or environmental element needed for growth. If the soil is too wet or too dry, not draining properly, or the plants are not receiving enough sunlight or water, they may not be growing.
Additionally, over-fertilizing or inadequate fertilizing can slow down a million bells’ growth.
Inspect your million bells for any visible signs of infection such as wilted leaves, evidence of bugs or fungus, discoloration, or yellowing of leaves. These can all cause issues with growth. Make sure the soil is kept moist, not too wet or too dry.
If the soil PH is off balance, the plants may not thrive either.
Check to make sure the soil is properly drained andif the roots are not in standing water; this can cause root rot. Ensure that the million bells are receiving at least 6 hours of full sunlight every day and are not being over or under watered.
Additionally, make sure no herbicides are being used near the plants as this can cause significant damage. Remove any weeds and dead leaves to keep the area around the plants clear of debris. Ensure that the type of soil being used is good for million bells specifically, as different plants do better in different types of soil.
If these steps are taken, and the million bells are still not growing, contact a local nursery or garden specialist to help diagnose the problem and make sure it is not a more serious issue.
Is Miracle Grow good for Calibrachoa?
Yes, Miracle Grow is a great fertilizer to use on Calibrachoa plants. It is specially formulated with the nutrients plants need, such as nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus. Miracle Grow is also easy to apply with a liquid form, which is preferred for Calibrachoa plants due to their delicate nature.
With regular application of Miracle Grow, Calibrachoa plants will produce more vibrant blooms and stay healthier.
