How to Grow and Care for the Rebecca Plant

The “Rebecca plant” is a popular name for the plant genus Calibrachoa, also widely known by the common name Million Bells. This plant is closely related to the petunia and features a similar, smaller trumpet-shaped flower. Its flowers come in a vast spectrum of colors, including vibrant reds, yellows, purples, and pinks, with some varieties showcasing stripes or double blooms. The Rebecca plant is characterized by a trailing or mounding growth habit, making it a favorite for adding cascading color to hanging baskets, window boxes, and container gardens.

Planting the Rebecca Plant

The ideal time to plant is in the spring, after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are consistently above 55 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants are purchased as young transplants from garden centers, as most are patented hybrids and not available as seeds. While they can be planted in the ground, they perform best in containers, which allow for better control over soil conditions and drainage.

Rebecca plants require a well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. They flourish in slightly acidic conditions, with an ideal pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.

When planting, dig a hole the same depth as the nursery pot and slightly wider. Gently loosen the roots of the transplant before placing it in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill the hole, firm the soil gently, and water it thoroughly. If planting multiple specimens, space them 8 to 12 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation.

Rebecca Plant Care Guide

Light

For the most abundant blooms, the Rebecca plant needs a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. While it can tolerate partial shade, the number of flowers it produces will be noticeably reduced. Ample sun exposure fuels constant flower production and helps the plant maintain a compact and dense form.

Water

Consistent moisture is important, but this plant is highly susceptible to problems from overwatering. Keep the soil evenly moist, not waterlogged. Check the soil moisture daily, especially during hot weather, as containers and hanging baskets dry out much faster than garden beds. Water at the base of the plant and allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

Fertilizer

Rebecca plants are heavy feeders due to their fast growth and prolific blooming. To support this output, regular fertilization is necessary. You can incorporate a slow-release, balanced fertilizer into the potting mix at planting. Alternatively, apply a water-soluble fertilizer formulated for blooming plants every one to two weeks. Pale green or yellow leaves are an indication that the plant needs to be fed.

Temperature and Hardiness

This plant thrives in warm weather, preferring temperatures between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit but handling summer heat well. It is grown as an annual in most climates, completing its life cycle in a single season. In USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, it can be grown as a short-lived perennial. Container-grown plants can be brought indoors for the winter, though most gardeners start with fresh plants each spring.

Pruning and Maintenance

A key trait of the Rebecca plant is that it is “self-cleaning,” meaning spent flowers drop off on their own, making deadheading unnecessary. The primary form of upkeep involves trimming the stems to maintain the plant’s shape and vigor.

Over the growing season, some stems may become long and “leggy,” with growth concentrated at the tips. When this occurs, trim the leggy stems back by about one-third of their length. This encourages the plant to branch out, resulting in a fuller, more compact shape and stimulating a new wave of flowers.

Solving Common Problems

A frequent issue is the yellowing of leaves while the veins remain green, a condition known as interveinal chlorosis. This is caused by a high soil pH that prevents the plant from absorbing iron. The solution is to apply a fertilizer that contains a chelated form of iron, which is more readily available for the plant to absorb.

Pests are not a major issue, but the plants can attract aphids or whiteflies. These can be managed by applying insecticidal soap spray directly onto the affected areas. Good air circulation around the plant also helps discourage pest infestations.

Propagating the Rebecca Plant

The Rebecca plant can be propagated from stem cuttings, which is the primary way commercial growers produce new plants. The best time to take cuttings is during late spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy, flowerless stem that is about four to six inches long.

• Using a clean, sharp blade, make a cut just below a leaf node.
• Remove all the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting, leaving only two or three sets of leaves at the top.
• Insert the prepared cutting into a small pot filled with a moist, soilless potting mix.
• Place the pot in a warm location with bright, indirect sunlight, keeping the medium consistently moist until roots develop, which begins within three to four weeks.