10 Benefits of Having a Million Bells

Calibrachoa parviflora

By Kiersten Rankel

Jun 15, 20245 min read

Embrace garden magic with Million Bells πŸŒΈβ€”effortless, vibrant blooms that transform any space into a colorful oasis.

Million bells
  1. 🌸 Abundant, prolonged blooms offer a garden spectacle from spring to fall.
  2. 🌱 Low maintenance and versatile, perfect for any gardener's skill level.
  3. 🐝 Attracts pollinators, enhancing garden biodiversity and ecosystem health.

10 Benefits of Growing Million Bells

🌸 Abundant Blooms

Million Bells are flower powerhouses, offering a relentless show of color. Their blooms cascade like a vibrant waterfall, ensuring your garden is a visual spectacle from spring to fall.

🌿 Low Maintenance

Effortless care is the Million Bells' middle name. These plants are forgiving, making them a top pick for gardeners of all skill levels.

🦎 Versatile Use

Whether in a hanging basket or as a ground cover, Million Bells are garden chameleons. Their adaptability is a landscaper's dream.

🐝 Attracts Pollinators

Bees and butterflies can't resist the allure of Million Bells. Hosting these pollinators, your garden becomes a biodiversity hotspot.

🌺 Long Blooming Season

With Million Bells, the floral display isn’t a short-lived affair. These plants boast a prolonged bloom period, keeping your outdoor space lively.

🌡 Drought Tolerance

Water-wise gardeners, rejoice! Million Bells can take the heat and the drought, making them survival artists in your garden.

🎨 Variety of Colors

From fiery reds to soothing blues, Million Bells come in a kaleidoscope of colors. They're the perfect palette for your garden masterpiece.

β˜€οΈ Heat Tolerance

Summer scorchers have got nothing on Million Bells. These plants thrive in the heat, ensuring your garden is summer-ready.

πŸ‚ Seasonal Appeal

Spring to fall, Million Bells are a feast for the eyes. They ensure your garden has season-long charm, no matter the weather.

🌼 Unique Growth Habit

The trailing beauty of Million Bells is unmatched. They add a dramatic flair to hanging baskets and containers, spilling over edges with grace.

A healthy Million Bells plant with vibrant yellow and purple flowers.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance of Million Bells

Million Bells, or Calibrachoa, carry a tapestry of meanings across cultures. In ancient Greece and Rome, these vibrant flowers were emblems of luck and modesty. Christianity sees them as symbols of love and compassion, reflecting deeper spiritual values.

🌺 Ancient Roots and Modern Symbolism

The Greeks and Romans weren't alone in their reverence for Million Bells. Their delicate blooms are seen as representations of joy and boldness, a testament to thriving against the odds. This symbolism of hope and resilience resonates in modern gardens, where their presence is a nod to enduring beauty and strength.

🌿 Cultural Echoes in Gardening

In the realm of horticulture, Million Bells are more than just ornamental. Their trailing growth and petite flowers are a visual metaphor for beauty and perseverance. They've graced ancient gardens and today continue to inspire with their colorful cascades and robust nature.

🎨 Beyond the Garden

The symbolism extends to art and literature, where Million Bells have found their way into the creative consciousness. They're not just plants but narratives in bloom, telling stories of courage, hope, and the simple joy of life.

🌍 A Global Emblem

From postage stamps to public gardens, Million Bells have left their mark. They're a global emblem of cultural significance, reflecting the shared human appreciation for nature's resilience and beauty.

Potted Million Bells plant with vibrant orange and yellow flowers, visible soil.

Care Tips and Potential Challenges for Growing Million Bells

Navigating the care of Million Bells is akin to mastering a delicate danceβ€”the steps are simple, but precision is key.

πŸ’§ Watering and Soil Requirements

Water Million Bells with a gentle hand; they despise soggy feet. Ensure drainage is top-notch in their containers to prevent waterlogging. They're partial to slightly acidic soil, with a pH of 5.5 hitting the sweet spot.

🌞 Sunlight and Location

These plants crave sunlight like a cat basks in a sunny windowβ€”lavishly but not excessively. Find them a spot that's sunny yet not a scorching desert, and you'll see them bloom with gratitude.

🌱 Fertilizing

Feed them like they're growing teenagers. A weekly dose of petunia fertilizer will satisfy their nutrient cravings and keep the blooms coming.

βœ‚οΈ Pruning

Give them a slight trim every few weeks to encourage more flowers. Think of it as giving them a quick pep talk rather than a full-blown motivational speech.

🐞 Pests and Diseases

Watch out for uninvited guests like aphids and whiteflies. If pests crash the party, enlist natural predators like ladybug larvae to show them the door. Overwatering invites root rot, so keep that watering can in check.

🌿 Iron Deficiency

Tap water can be a frenemy, enriching the soil with calcium but potentially causing iron deficiency. If your Million Bells start to look a bit yellow around the gills, an iron supplement from your local garden center can perk them right up.

❄️ Overwintering

Million Bells are not fans of the cold. They're annuals, so plan a farewell party each fall and invite fresh ones to your garden soiree come spring.

🌱 Propagation

Feeling adventurous? Propagate your own Million Bells with cuttings or seeds. Just remember, patience is a virtue when waiting for those tiny seeds to sprout.

🌊 Common Challenges

The most common hiccup is overwateringβ€”it's a surefire way to drown their spirits. Keep a vigilant eye on moisture levels, and your Million Bells will reward you with a riot of color.

Remember, growing Million Bells isn't rocket science, but it does require a dash of diligence and a sprinkle of love.

Million Bells plant with vibrant yellow and red flowers, well-maintained and healthy.

Cultivate a garden of abundant blooms 🌸 with Million Bells and let Greg's tailored care reminders ensure your success from spring to fall.



You Might Also Want to Know...

What are million bells?

Million bells are a type of plant commonly used in hanging baskets, known for their small, bell-shaped flowers.

What colors do million bells come in?

Million bells come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, and white.

Can million bells be planted with other plants?

Yes, million bells can be planted with other plants, such as alyssum and petunias.

Do million bells attract beneficial insects?

Yes, million bells attract beneficial insects, which can help with pest control in the garden.

Are million bells easy to grow?

Yes, million bells are relatively easy to grow and are a popular choice for hanging baskets.

Can million bells come back every year?

No, million bells are typically grown as annuals and need to be replanted each year.

What is alyssum?

Alyssum is a type of plant often used as a companion plant and can attract beneficial insects.

Can alyssum be planted in between crops in organic farming?

Yes, alyssum is often planted in between crops in organic farming to attract beneficial insects and provide pest control.

Can alyssum be propagated from volunteers?

Yes, alyssum can be propagated from volunteers, which are small plants that grow from the parent plant.

How long does it take for million bells to grow in hanging baskets?

It typically takes a few weeks for million bells to grow and fill out in hanging baskets.