Superbells Grape Punch, scientifically known as Calibrachoa ‘Superbells Grape Punch’, is a versatile and attractive plant that can be a great addition to any garden or landscape. It is commonly grown as an annual, but it technically falls under the category of a perennial.
Perennials are plants that live for more than two years, with many coming back year after year. However, in the case of Superbells Grape Punch, it is often treated as an annual because it is not reliably winter hardy in all climates. This means that it may not survive the winter in colder regions and would need to be replanted in the spring.
The reason why Superbells Grape Punch is typically grown as an annual is because it is a tender perennial. Tender perennials are plants that are not able to tolerate freezing temperatures and are more sensitive to cold weather. In areas with mild winters or when grown in containers that can be brought indoors during the winter, Superbells Grape Punch can potentially survive and continue to bloom for multiple years.
I personally have experience with Superbells Grape Punch as both an annual and a perennial. In my garden, I have planted Superbells Grape Punch as an annual in the spring, enjoying its vibrant purple flowers throughout the summer and fall. However, I have also successfully overwintered the plant by bringing it indoors and providing it with proper care. By keeping it in a sunny location and ensuring it receives adequate water and fertilizer, I have been able to enjoy the plant’s beautiful blooms for several years.
It’s worth noting that even though Superbells Grape Punch is considered a perennial, it may not perform as well in subsequent years compared to its first year of growth. This is because the plant’s vigor and flowering ability may decline over time. To maintain its best performance, it is recommended to replace Superbells Grape Punch with new plants every year or two.
While Superbells Grape Punch is technically a perennial, it is commonly grown as an annual due to its sensitivity to cold temperatures. However, with proper care and protection, it is possible to overwinter the plant and enjoy its blooms for multiple years.
