Calibrachoa. Tiny, petunia-like flowers that just keep going, and going, and going... I see more "regular" bees on these than bumble-bees.
I would like to stress that bee plants are becoming a requirement for a successful home garden especially if you are growing cucurbits (melons, squash, cucumbers, pumpkins). Production has been incredible in my garden after adding bee plants.
Here's what I have learned so far about Calibrachoa:
- Deadheading (removal of dead flower heads that contain seeds) is not necessary. WooHoo!!!
- Hardy zones 9-11 as a short-lived, tender perennial (AKA won't take a HARD frost)... check back with me in late March for a confirmation of the hard frost and in a year from now if they are still flowering
- Described as trailing/mounding, but I call them lovely
- Plant in well drained soil, they don't like "wet feet"
- Not drought tolerant
- Require full sun for best flower production
- Trim/pinch when flower production reduces (or as you see fit) to be rewarded with more blooms
- Fertilize once a month with a slow release flower fertilizer
- Propagate from cuttings (see trademark/patent article above)
- Cuttings, based on my failures, should be of VERY new growth using lots of rooting hormone
