The Garden Guy: New Superbells Double selections bring an artist's touch to containers

Norman Winter
·3 min read
Superbells Double Redstone was recognized as a ‘Plant of Distinction at the University of Georgia trials.
Superbells Double Redstone was recognized as a ‘Plant of Distinction at the University of Georgia trials.

Next year will be a banner one with the debut of Superbells Double calibrachoas and recipes that will bring an artist touch to your porch, patio or deck. In August I started giving you a sampling with Superbells Vintage Coral but now, I would say, wait until you see Superbells Double Redstone.

If you are like me, your first thought will be, "How did they do that?" Trade magazines call this calibrachoa a novelty but I suspect that is because there is nothing else like it on the market. Proven Winners call the color vermillion, or crimson, with gold picotee edges. But even that doesn’t do the flower justice, as each bloom is fully double reminiscent of a miniature rose.

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Superbells Double Redstone calibrachoa combined for a contrasting partnership by The Garden Guy. Here it is paired with Superbena Royale Chambray verbena. Superbells Grape Punch calibrachoa and Dolce Appletini heuchera.
Superbells Double Redstone calibrachoa combined for a contrasting partnership by The Garden Guy. Here it is paired with Superbena Royale Chambray verbena. Superbells Grape Punch calibrachoa and Dolce Appletini heuchera.

In the summer trials, it took our breath away with its beauty, but then there was that moment of hesitation when we considered selecting plant combinations. Of course, Proven Winners is quick and has shown us Side Hustle, a recipe featuring Superbells Double Redstone with ColorBlaze Cherry Brandy coleus and Plum Dandy alternanthera for a play on differing shades of red. It is stunning to say the least.

The Garden Guy in his trial went contrasting by combining the Superbells Double Redstone with Superbena Royale Chambray verbena and Superbells Grape Punch plus a splash of lime from a Dolce Appletini heuchera. Mine has held on nicely through one of the most miserable summers in history and is loading up now for a nice fall flush going into winter.

I wasn’t the only one recognizing a hot summer performance. The Superbells Double Redstone calibrachoa was designated a ‘Plant of Distinction’ in July at the University of Georgia Trials. While I like the combination with blues or blue purple, and Proven Winners went with red partners, it should be obvious that Superbells Yellow or Double Yellow would make great combos as would the new Supertunia Saffron Finch petunia or the Supertunia Honey. These colors would echo the gold picotee margins of the Double Redstone.

The October sun shows the unique color, texture and form of the Superbells Double Redstone calibrachoa.
The October sun shows the unique color, texture and form of the Superbells Double Redstone calibrachoa.

There was another new Superbells Double showing out in trials called Double Smitten Pink. If you loved the antique look of the Superbells Double Vintage Coral calibrachoa I told you about in August, you will fall head over heels for this one. Superbells Double Smitten Pink has grandma’s heirloom garden written all over it. Except Grandma will tell you, she never had anything that pretty.

The flowers are double pink with dark fuchsia in the center. To me the Superbells Double Smitten Pink has a touch of ‘peony form’ in miniature, which makes it even more exquisite. Most blooms also show a little flame of yellow in the center. Proven Winners has a dazzling recipe called Lucky Power featuring Supertunia Vista Jazzberry petunia and Graceful Grasses Queen Tut papyrus as the thriller. It is a Holy Wow combination for sure.

A close-up of Superbells Double Smitten Pink calibrachoa shows the unique color blends, texture and the miniature ‘peony form’ of the blossom.
A close-up of Superbells Double Smitten Pink calibrachoa shows the unique color blends, texture and the miniature ‘peony form’ of the blossom.

These new varieties, like the others, do best in containers and baskets with good lightweight potting soil. They will need plenty of sun to really perform. I feed mine every two to three weeks with a water-soluble fertilizer. They get about 12-inches tall with a spread up to 30-inches. I usually give the plants a trim by a third or more in late summer.

I really feel like in zones 8 and warmer that we are missing a great opportunity to plant in October. Actually, I’m not, as I am planting now and in search of more. I am also looking for the other Supers, too: Supertunia petunias and Superbena verbenas. Here's hoping you will find the new 2024 Superbells Double varieties, Double Vintage Coral, Double Redstone and Double Smitten Pink and give them a try.

Follow Norman Winter on Facebook @NormanWinterTheGardenGuy for more photos and garden inspiration. See more columns by Norman at SavannahNow.com/lifestyle/home-garden/.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: garden guy norman winter goes ga-ga over superbells double redstone