Does Calibrachoa Attract Pollinators?
Often called Million Bells, Calibrachoa is beloved for its vibrant blooms and cascading habit in containers, hanging baskets, and garden beds. But beyond its ornamental charm, many gardeners wonder if it also has value as a pollinator-friendly plant. While some flowers are magnets for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, others offer little to no nectar or pollen. Understanding where Calibrachoa fits in this spectrum helps you decide whether it should play a role in your pollinator-friendly garden.
By: Reggie Meehan (11/5/2025)
Calibrachoa Is a Moderate Attractor of Pollinators
Calibrachoa plays a modest but valuable role in attracting pollinators—it’s not the most powerful magnet in the garden, but it provides consistent food over a long season. On a scale of 1 to 10, it rates about a 6/10 for pollinator attraction. While it doesn’t have the nectar density of plants like Bee Balm or Salvia, its sheer flower quantity compensates somewhat.
The primary visitors tend to be hummingbirds and small native bees, with butterflies making occasional visits. In mixed plantings, Calibrachoa helps diversify the available nectar sources and keeps pollinators active in the area. For gardeners aiming to create a balanced, colorful pollinator garden, it serves as a supportive companion rather than a keystone species.
Abundant, Long-Lasting Blooms
Calibrachoa produces hundreds of small, trumpet-shaped flowers from spring until frost, offering a consistent food source for pollinators over a long season. Continuous blooms mean pollinators can visit repeatedly without finding the plant depleted. For hummingbirds and butterflies, the sheer abundance of flowers makes Calibrachoa a reliable stop in their daily feeding routes. This extended bloom period also helps bridge seasonal gaps when other nectar-rich plants aren’t flowering.
Shape and Accessibility of Flowers
The tubular flowers of Calibrachoa are perfectly shaped for pollinators with long tongues, such as hummingbirds and certain butterflies. Bees, especially smaller native species, can also access the nectar by entering the tube or feeding from the flower’s outer edges. While larger bees like bumblebees may find the flower less convenient, the smaller size still allows a variety of species to feed successfully. The open-faced nature of each bloom also ensures that pollen transfer is possible during feeding visits.
Color Variety and Visual Cues
Pollinators are highly responsive to color, and Calibrachoa offers a wide spectrum, from bright reds and oranges to deep purples, blues, and yellows. Hummingbirds are especially drawn to red and pink tones, while bees favor blue, violet, and yellow shades. This range allows gardeners to select varieties that target specific pollinator groups. High-contrast throat patterns inside the blooms also act as nectar guides, visually directing pollinators to the reward.
Which Pollinators Go For Calibrachoa?
The bell-shaped blooms of Calibrachoa attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and small bees throughout the growing season, offering color, nectar, and activity to any garden. While each pollinator favors different hues and flower shapes, Calibrachoa’s continuous flowering makes it a rewarding and lively addition for supporting backyard wildlife.
Hummingbirds & Calibrachoa
Hummingbirds are not frequent visitors to Calibrachoa, though they can be drawn to its bright colors. Calibrachoa is not as nectar-rich as some dedicated hummingbird plants, but its abundance of blooms provides enough reward to encourage return visits. For the best results, choose red or magenta varieties, which are most visible to hummingbirds.
Best hummingbird-friendly variety: Superbells® Red for its vibrant color and prolific blooms.
Butterflies & Calibrachoa
Butterflies can find Calibrachoa appealing, particularly in sunny spots where they can bask while feeding. The flowers’ accessible nectar works best for smaller or medium-sized butterfly species. Since butterflies rely heavily on sight, bright and contrasting colors such as yellow, pink, or purple can increase visitation rates. Pairing Calibrachoa with butterfly favorites like lantana or zinnias enhances overall appeal.
Best butterfly-friendly variety: Superbells® Yellow for its bright color and easy visibility.
Bees & Calibrachoa
Bees—especially smaller solitary and sweat bees—do visit Calibrachoa, though it’s less attractive to larger honeybees and bumblebees due to the flower’s narrow opening. The plant provides both nectar and a small amount of pollen, supporting pollinator activity throughout the growing season. Positioning Calibrachoa near other bee-friendly flowers can increase the chances of bees stopping by. Opt for varieties in shades of blue, violet, or yellow to cater to bee vision preferences.
Best bee-friendly variety: Superbells® Blue for its deep, bee-attracting hue.
Where Calibrachoa Fits in a Pollinator Garden
In a pollinator garden, Calibrachoa serves as a colorful, season-long nectar source that complements more nectar-dense plants. It works best when planted alongside pollinator powerhouses like Salvia, Bee Balm, Coneflowers, and Agastache. Its versatility in containers, hanging baskets, and border edges makes it easy to integrate into small or large garden designs. While it won’t single-handedly sustain pollinator populations, it helps create a visually appealing, diverse feeding environment. By mixing it with a variety of bloom shapes and sizes, you can support a broader range of pollinators while enjoying a vibrant garden display from spring through fall.