Calibrachoa Review

A rainbow of calibrachoa

Over the years we’ve talked about calibrachoa a lot here in Field Notes and we’re about to do it again. This is a crop that has been very good to us and we hold it in high regard. All the care and attention we give to these plants comes back to us tenfold, as we’re rewarded with scores of colorful, trailing mini petunias that quickly move off the retail bench and brighten the landscape in a snap.

‘Cannova^® Red Shades’

It’s hard to believe that such an exotic looking plant got its name from a Gaelic word meaning cane or reed, but that’s the common story. Canna is native to the Americas, however, and loves the sun and warm temperatures. We enjoy the tropical touch this plant brings to a design and count on canna’s durability in the summer landscape. It’s always a bittersweet day when the chill sets in and puts the kibosh on these lush banana-like leaves.

Cheer up—good news is here from the breeders at Ball: they’ve come up with the Cannova® series that actively grows in cooler temperatures and lower light conditions. It performs just as well in the typical heat and sun, flowering early and often all summer until the first frost. Notice how nice and bushy the plants are—great for filling large pots for the patio; they’re also suitable for use in the ground along the side of a pond.

‘Cannova^® Yellow’

As you can see, Cannovas® are robust and the flowers are intense. We grow this series in bright, popular tropical colors that mix well together for group plantings: Yellow, Rose, Mango, and Red Shades. All are available in the 8-inch pot.

Colorful gardens at Churchill Downs

Whether or not you’re a horseracing fan, the odds are you’ll be tuned in to Churchill Downs for a few minutes on May 7th for the Kentucky Derby. As you kick back with that Mint Julep, take a moment to notice the beautiful landscaping around the track and grounds of Churchill Downs.

As growers and designers we’re always on the lookout for fresh ideas and unique ways of using our quality plants. During past Derbies we’ve noticed a great deal of begonias, marigolds, geraniums, petunias, and dusty miller—all arranged in various patterns in the many gardens surrounding the track. In recent years we’ve seen some unique foliage gardens of ipomoea and fern built right into the walls in the stands.

It turns out we actually grow some Proven Winners cultivars that have been featured on race day as well. In case you want to replicate a look, these include ‘Supertunia Royal Velvet’ and ‘Supertunia Vista Bubblegum’ petunias, airy ‘Diamond Frost®’ euphorbia, and ‘Artist® Blue’ ageratum for some puffs of blue that stay looking fresh and blue. 

Pay close attention and take some winning ideas away with you this year.

‘Royal Velvet’ is available in the 1801 flat landscape tray and the 10-inch hanging basket, as well as in the 6 and 8-inch pot sizes. ‘Vista Bubblegum’ comes in the 10-inch hanging basket and the 8-inch pot. ‘Diamond Frost® ’ comes in the 10-inch hanging basket and the 4.5 and 8-inch pot sizes. ‘Artist® Blue’ is available in the 4.5-inch pot.