Calibrachoa, also known as trailing petunia, is indeed a perennial plant. However, it is important to note that it is a tender perennial, meaning it is not cold hardy and will not survive freezing temperatures. In colder climates, Calibrachoa is often grown as an annual or treated as a tender perennial by bringing it indoors during the winter months.
The flowers of Calibrachoa closely resemble small petunias, hence its common name “trailing petunia.” They come in a wide range of vibrant colors, including shades of pink, purple, red, yellow, and white. These flowers are quite showy and can add a burst of color to any garden or container arrangement.
Calibrachoa plants are typically compact and mounded in shape, growing to a height of 3-9 inches. They have a trailing growth habit, with their stems sprawling and cascading over the edges of containers or hanging baskets. This makes them a popular choice for hanging baskets, window boxes, and other types of containers where their trailing stems can create a beautiful cascading effect.
One of the advantages of Calibrachoa is its long blooming period. These plants produce an abundance of flowers from spring until the first frost, providing continuous color throughout the growing season. Deadheading or removing faded flowers can help promote even more blooms and extend the flowering period.
Calibrachoa plants prefer full sun to part shade and well-drained soil. They are relatively low maintenance and have good tolerance to heat and drought once established. However, they do require regular watering, especially during hot and dry periods. Applying a balanced fertilizer every few weeks can also help promote healthy growth and abundant flowering.
In my personal experience, I have found Calibrachoa to be a delightful addition to my garden. The vibrant colors and trailing growth habit create a visually stunning display. I particularly enjoy planting them in hanging baskets on my porch, where their cascading stems add a touch of beauty and elegance. Despite being a tender perennial, I have successfully overwintered Calibrachoa by bringing them indoors and providing them with adequate light and water. Being able to enjoy these lovely flowers year after year brings me great joy and satisfaction.
To summarize, Calibrachoa is a tender perennial plant that produces flowers resembling small petunias. It is compact and mounded in shape, with trailing stems that cascade over the edges of containers. It is a long bloomer, providing continuous color from spring until the first frost. While not cold hardy, it can be grown as an annual or treated as a tender perennial by bringing it indoors during the winter months. Calibrachoa prefers full sun to part shade and well-drained soil, and regular watering and fertilizing can help promote healthy growth and abundant flowering. Overall, it is a beautiful and low-maintenance plant that can enhance any garden or container arrangement.