- Similarity between the magic bell and the petunia
- Advantages of magic bells over petunias
- Magic bells and petunias as neighbors
Help the development of the site, sharing the article with friends!
The magic bell is also sold as "dwarf petunia" by some gardeners, although "Calibrachoa" is a separate genus of plants. This is not only related to the petunia, but also has a visual similarity that cannot be denied.
The magic bell and the petunia look very similar
Similarity between the magic bell and the petunia
The magic bell not only has a similar flower shape to the petunia, the rest of the plant also has a very similar appearance. Like the petunia, the magic bell is also quite sensitive to frost and should therefore not be overwintered outdoors. Both types of plants are characterized by a large number of flowers and, with an adequate supply of water and nutrients, by relatively rapid growth. In addition, petunias and magic bells are commercially available in a wide variety of colors, which can be arranged in contrasting colors in the window box.
Advantages of magic bells over petunias
The blossoms of the petunias tend to stick together during prolonged periods of rain and must be removed quickly when they have faded in order not to spoil the overall impression. With the magic bells, on the other hand, isolated wilted flowers do not disturb the overall appearance so much, as they dry up to a small size and are soon overgrown by new flowers. In addition, the flowers of the magic bell are less sensitive to moisture and only open during the day and when the weather is nice.
Magic bells and petunias as neighbors
Magic bells need certain basic requirements in order to be able to pour their blooms, also known as "millionbells", over a balcony railing or a planter. Therefore, pay attention to the following with your magic bells:
- a slightly acidic, low-lime plant substrate
- the use of rainwater (because it contains little lime) when watering
- a weekly fertilization with petunia fertilizer
- a high level of humidity when growing magic bells from seeds
A particularly pretty picture is created in the window box if you combine the magic bells with petunias and verbena. Strong-growing "Supercal" varieties (a cross between petunia and magic bells) form medium-sized flowers and are well suited for decorative underplanting of tall stems.
tips
You can harvest the seeds from the magic bell once the seed pods have turned from green to brown. Please note, however, that this species is usually crossed and you will not receive true-to-breed young plants. So you can sometimes experience interesting surprises in terms of flower color after the next generation of magic bells has been raised.