Calibrachoa 'Million Bells Terra Cotta' (Calibrachoa hybrid)

Calibrachoa 'Million Bells Terra Cotta' is a popular trailing annual (often called million bells) with hundreds of small, petunia-like flowers in a warm terra-cotta orange. A hybrid in the Solanaceae family, it's a heat-tolerant, self-cleaning bloomer for containers.

Description

Mounding, trailing habit 6–10 inches tall, spreading 12–24 inches. Leaves are small, oval, slightly sticky. Flowers are 1 inch across, trumpet-shaped, terra-cotta orange with a darker throat. Blooms continuously from spring to frost without deadheading. Sterile—no seed set.

Growing Conditions

• Zones: 9–11 as perennial; grown as annual everywhere.
• Light: Full sun (6+ hours) for best bloom.
• Soil: Well-drained, rich, slightly acidic.
• Water: Consistent moisture; allow surface to dry slightly. Avoid waterlogging.
• Temperature: Heat-tolerant; thrives in summer heat.

Care & Maintenance

No deadheading needed. Pinch early for branching. Feed every 2 weeks with balanced water-soluble fertilizer. In containers, ensure drainage. Overwinter indoors in bright light (difficult). Propagate from cuttings (patented—check restrictions).

Uses

Hanging baskets, window boxes, mixed containers, groundcover in sunny beds. Combines beautifully with blue, purple, and yellow partners.

Potential Issues

Root rot in wet soil. Iron deficiency (yellowing) in high pH—use acidic fertilizer. Thrips, aphids. Generally tough and floriferous.

A reliable, warm-toned spiller that fills containers with nonstop color.