If you are thinking about a type of flower plant hanging baskets, try Superbells Calibrachoa. They are an especially common choice for summer flowers, producing blooms in vibrant colors and shades to liven up any landscape.
Considering how widespread they are in summer, are superbells perennials or annuals? The short answer is, it depends on where you are growing it.
You're reading: Are Superbells Perennials: A Care Guide
Are Superbells Perennials
Superbells are perennials in zones 9 to 11, where they can survive the mild winters and bloom year-round.
In colder climates, superbells are treated as annuals, as they cannot tolerate frost or freezing temperatures.
If you are unsure superbells are perennials or annuals in your area, you can check the USDA hardiness zone map to find out.
Superbells Care Guide
Sun
Superbells are considered full sun plants, meaning they need a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.
Although they can tolerate part sun (4-6 hours), they won’t produce as many flowers and may appear stretched and open.
If you notice light green foliage or decreased blooming, it’s a sign that your plants aren’t getting enough sun.
In this case, it’s best to move them to a sunnier location, trim them by 1 to 4 inches, and watch them bounce back with fuller growth and more abundant blooms.
Fertilizer
Fertilizer is crucial for continuous flowering in Superbells Calibrachoa and Supertunia Petunias.
These plants put forth a non-stop show, and they need regular feeding to sustain their vigor.
Note: The symptoms of insufficient fertilizer are similar to those of inadequate sunlight, so it’s essential to fertilize them every other week with a liquid fertilizer (or monthly if you’re using a slow-release one).
When planting, it’s a good idea to incorporate a slow or controlled-release fertilizer, which will nourish the plants for approximately two months.
However, specific fertilizers may differ, so always follow the package instructions.
Water-soluble Fertilizer
It might be a while after the original dose of fertilizer starts to diminish that you can switch to a water-soluble fertilizer.
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Usually, you will have to wait between six weeks to two months from that point on.
Once you start using water-soluble fertilizer, remember to refeed your plant every 10 to 14 days. Again, this is just a general number to give you a heads up.
It is best that you read the instructions carefully and stick to it.
As you prepare the fertilizer, make sure you get the Nitrogen-Phosphorus-Potassium (N-P-K) ratio right, which could either be 2:1:2 or 2:1:1.5.
Bloom Booster
You may come across “bloom booster” fertilizers on the market, which promise to enhance blooming.
While they may be tempting, keep in mind that plants can only utilize a certain amount of phosphorus at once.
Exceeding that amount won’t make a significant difference.
The recommended well-balanced fertilizer will provide all the necessary nutrients for the plants to flourish.
Remember, happy plants equal abundant blooms!
Soil
Calibrachoa prefers well-drained soils, which can be a challenge for many gardens. For the best results, consider growing your Superbells in containers.
- If your garden has excellent natural drainage, then planting them in the ground is also an option. Sandy or loam soils and raised beds provide the necessary drainage.
However, most of us find greater success with container gardening.
Personally, I exclusively use containers for growing Calibrachoa since my clay soil doesn’t offer adequate drainage. They thrive beautifully in my containers.
Tips
When planting superbells in containers, try to select a high-quality potting soil that provides adequate drainage for the plant.
You can try to make the soil more well-drained as well with compost or shredded leaves.
But the DIY mixture will have to be well balanced, you won’t want the soil that dries water out too quickly, which would defeat the entire purpose.
Read more : 28 of the Best Evergreen Ground Cover for Shade and Full Sun: Year-Round Beauty
Remember, healthy roots are the foundation for healthy plants, and good potting soil is key to developing a robust root system.
Water
To keep your Superbells happy, it’s important to strike the right balance between soil and watering.
Calibrachoa’s root system is sensitive to excessive moisture, so it’s crucial to provide excellent drainage, as mentioned earlier. Preventing over-saturation of the soil is the key to their happiness.
Ensure that the containers you choose have proper drainage holes.
While Superbells boast better tolerance to wet soils than other Calibrachoa varieties, they still prefer well-drained soil and proper watering.
Tips
For most container plants, you should wait until the top of the soil feels dry to the touch before watering. Yes, it might mean testing the soil with your finger before you grasp the timeline.
As you water your superbell plants, make sure to saturate (water generously until all the soil is submerged in water) the entire container and let excess water to drain out.
This process encourages root growth throughout the container, resulting in healthier and happier plants.
Avoid overwatering and select a good potting soil, and you won’t have to worry about the soil staying too wet.
Wilting Plant Despite Wet Soil
If your plant is wilting, but the soil is wet, there are two likely explanations.
- Firstly, the soil was dry when the plant wilted, and although you watered it afterward, the plant hasn’t had enough time to absorb water and regain its turgidity. Give it some time, and it should recover.
- However, in most cases, a wilted plant with wet soil indicates root rot caused by excessive moisture retention. That Plant is Drowning! provides detailed information on diagnosing root rot and helping your plant recover.
Other Things to Consider
Apart from the potential root rot issues mentioned earlier, Superbells generally don’t face many common pest or disease problems.
If your plants have ceased flowering, double-check that you’re meeting all the necessary conditions mentioned above.
If you are, it might be time to investigate if pests or diseases are causing the issue.
Key Takeaway
Let me assure you that Calibrachoa, particularly Superbells, are not difficult plants to grow.
By giving them a sunny spot, well-drained soil, sufficient fertilizer, and proper watering, you’ll be rewarded with an explosion of blooms.
Remember, these conditions apply to almost all sun-loving plants. So, go ahead and make your Superbells truly super!
Source: https://thelittle.garden
Category: Perennial