How to Attract Pollinators with Calibrachoa

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. This Garden Blog will explain where Calibrachoa fits in this spectrum and help you decide whether it should play a role in your pollinator-friendly garden.

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By: Reggie Meehan (11/5/2025) - Last Updated (2/8/2026)

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 Agastache, 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

One of the biggest reasons I like using Calibrachoa in pollinator plantings is how long it stays in bloom. From Spring right up until frost, it’s covered in hundreds of little trumpet-shaped flowers that just keep coming. That steady bloom gives pollinators a reliable food source all season long instead of a short burst and then nothing. Hummingbirds and butterflies make repeat visits because the plant never looks picked over. It’s especially helpful during those Summer stretches when a lot of other nectar plants take a break.

Shape and Accessibility of the Flowers

Calibrachoa’s flower shape is a natural fit for pollinators with longer tongues, like hummingbirds and certain butterflies. The tubular blooms make it easy for them to reach nectar without much effort. Smaller native bees also visit regularly, either by going straight into the flower or working around the edges. While larger bees don’t use it as heavily, I still see a good mix of pollinators moving through calibrachoa baskets and containers. Each bloom is open enough that pollen transfer happens naturally as they feed.

Color Variety and Visual Cues

Color makes a big difference when it comes to attracting pollinators, and Calibrachoa really shines here. It comes in everything from bright reds and oranges to deep purples, blues, and yellows. Hummingbirds tend to zero in on the reds and pinks, while bees spend more time on the blues, purples, and yellows. That variety lets you be intentional with what you plant depending on which pollinators you want to encourage. Many varieties have darker or contrasting centers have that act like little landing signals, guiding pollinators straight to the nectar.

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 and Calibrachoa

Hummingbirds are not frequent visitors to Calibrachoa, but 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.

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. 

For attracting butterflies, the Cha-Cha™ Series varieties are the most effective Calibrachoa choices. Butterflies are drawn to bright, warm colors—especially pink, magenta, coral, red, and yellow—and to flowers that offer easy landing and access, which single-flowered varieties like Cha-Cha™ Red and Cha-Cha™ Fuchsia provide better than doubles.

Bees & Calibrachoa

Bees do visit Calibrachoa, especially smaller solitary and sweat bees— 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. 

When it comes to bees and Calibrachoa, darker, single-flowered varieties tend to be the most effective—and Cabaret® Midnight Kiss and Cabaret® Good Night Kiss are standout choices. Their deep, rich flower colors provide strong visual contrast that bees can easily detect, while the open flower form allows relatively easy access to pollen and nectar compared to tighter or double types. These varieties also flower heavily and consistently, which encourages repeat visits as bees learn where reliable resources are located.

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.