Due to its similarity to the petunia, the magic bell is often referred to as a "mini petunia". Despite the fact that it is actually related to the petunia, it is a separate plant genus called Calibrachoa. The Calibrachoa species, which are not hardy outdoors, are also called "Millionbells" because of their abundance of flowers, not only in the English-speaking world.
The magic bell must be overwintered in the warmth
An annual balcony flower with potential
The magic bell quickly grows into a stately rain of flowers in the garden bed or balcony box in spring if it receives enough sunlight, water and nutrients. As it is very sensitive to frost, young plants or subsequent cuttings may only be transplanted outdoors without protection after the ice saints. It is also relatively easy to harvest the seeds from the slowly browning seed pods after flowering and grow new plants from them in the spring.
Important factors for overwintering attempts
Under certain conditions, it is possible to save specimens of the magic bell over the winter into the next gardening season:
- at temperatures around 14 degrees Celsius
- in a bright room (e.g. a conservatory)
- shortened to a shoot length of about 10 centimeters
- watered sparingly but regularly
tips
After successfully hibernating in a sheltered place, you should slowly get your magic bells used to higher temperatures and direct sunlight before planting them outdoors again in May.