NAME: Calibrachoa
AKA: Million Bells, a trademark of Proven Winners that includes varieties of many hues.
VARIETY: Terra Cotta
TYPE: Annual
FAMILY: Solanceae or nightshade family; relatives include brugmansia, nierembergia, petunias, tomatoes.
VITAL STATS: Fast-growing, prolific petunia look-alike with fine foliage and 1-inch trumpet-shaped blooms that are indispensable in containers and hanging baskets.
NATIVE LAND: A new commercial species
BLOSSOM TIME: Spring through frost
BEST FEATURES: Unbelievable color that resembles its name, mingling warm shades of yellow, salmon, coral, orange and brick red in a single flower the size of a nickel; never needs deadheading.
LIKES: Full sun, but puts up with partial shade.
SWORN ENEMIES: Watch for aphids.
PLANT PARTNERS: Pretty on its own in— what else? — a terra-cotta pot, or perfect in a moss basket with other Proven Winners like Bacopa Snowstorm and Nemesia Blue Bird; glows next to Diascia Red Start and Fuchsia Gartenmeister Bonstadt; a knockout with white verbena and purple petunias — especially the double-flowered varieties.
TLC: Water regularly.
HARDINESS ZONE: 9 to 11