Calibrachoa

Datasheet
Scientific name: Calibrachoa x hybrida
Synonymy: Leptophragma, Stimomphis
Common names: Mini-petunia, Mil-bells, False-petunia
Family: Solanaceae
Category: Shrubs, Tropical Shrubs, Flowers, Annual Flowers, Perennial Flowers
Climate: Mediterranean, Oceanic, Subtropical, Temperate, Tropical
Origin: South America, Brazil, Chile
Height: 0.1 to 0.3 meters, 0.3 to 0.4 meters, 0.4 to 0.6 meters, less than 15 cm
Luminosity: Half Shade, Full Sun
Life Cycle: Biennial, Perennial

Calibrachoa is a herbaceous and flowering plant, originally from South America and although perennial, it has a short lifespan.
It is very similar to Petunia (Petunia x hybrida), being related to this other species and originating from the same habitat.

Often, so many similarities create confusion in their identification.
However, it has recently been scientifically elucidated that these two species differ in terms of the number of chromosomes and reproductive mechanisms.
Crossbreeding between the two species is possible, generating the hybrid genus Petchoa, very vigorous and with large flowers.

It should be grown in full sun or semi-shade, in fertile, well-draining soil, enriched with organic compost and regularly irrigated, allowing the soil to dry superficially between waterings.
It tolerates light frosts, short periods of drought and heat.
Despite being perennial, it is generally cultivated as an annual or biennial, as it loses its beauty and vigor over time, requiring replanting.
It needs good amounts of fertilizers, and it is recommended to mix organic fertilizers, along with slow-release fertilizers and some liquid fertilizer during the growth and flowering period, without excess, but with a constant supply.
It is multiplied by cuttings and seeds, which are allowed to germinate or root in the autumn, and which remain in greenhouses during the winter, to begin flowering in the spring.