From our perspective, we are sun-worshippers at heart. To produce the prolific cascade of blooms we are known for, we require a minimum of six hours of direct, full sunlight daily. This abundant light fuels our photosynthetic processes, allowing us to convert energy into the vibrant flowers and lush foliage gardeners adore. While we can tolerate very light shade, insufficient light will cause us to become leggy as we stretch for the sun and significantly reduce our flowering. We also appreciate a location sheltered from strong, damaging winds, which can batter our delicate stems and flowers, causing physical stress and dehydration.
Our root systems are particular; we demand a well-draining growing medium to truly thrive. We abhor having our roots sit in consistently soggy, waterlogged soil, as this condition quickly leads to root rot, a fatal disease for us. Whether we are planted in a container or a garden bed, the soil must be loose and airy. A high-quality potting mix amended with materials like perlite or coarse sand is ideal for container life. For in-ground planting, amending heavy clay soil with organic matter such as compost is essential to improve drainage and provide a hospitable environment for our roots to establish and spread.
Our watering needs are consistent but moderate. We prefer our soil to be kept evenly moist, not sopping wet and not bone dry. The goal is to water us deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, allowing moisture to reach our entire root zone. In the heat of summer, especially in hanging baskets where our roots are more exposed, this may mean daily watering. Alongside hydration, we are heavy feeders due to our constant flowering. To sustain this immense energy output, we require regular nourishment. A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer applied every one to two weeks, or a slow-release fertilizer mixed into our soil at planting time, will provide the essential nutrients we need to keep producing our brilliant "Million Bells" non-stop.
While we are often marketed as "self-cleaning" (meaning we don't require deadheading individual spent blooms), we greatly benefit from occasional pruning throughout the growing season. If our growth begins to slow in mid-summer or our stems become long and sparse, a gentle trim is the perfect remedy. Using clean, sharp shears, simply cut back about one-third of our overall growth. This might seem drastic, but it invigorates us, encouraging a fresh burst of branching and a new wave of prolific blooming, ensuring we remain full and floriferous until the first frost.
Generally, we are resilient plants, but we are not without our vulnerabilities. Aphids may occasionally be attracted to our succulent new growth, sucking sap and weakening us. A strong spray of water or horticultural soap usually manages them. Our greatest threat, as mentioned, is root rot from overwatering or poor drainage. Additionally, in high humidity with poor air circulation, we can be susceptible to fungal diseases like botrytis (gray mold). Ensuring proper spacing between plants and watering at the base to keep our foliage dry are the best preventative measures to keep us healthy.
