Calibrachoa is a genus of plants in the Solanaceae family.

They are weak evergre en short-lived perennials and subshrubs with a sprawling habit, and they have sm all petunia-type flowers. They are found across much the same region of South Am erica as petunias, from southern Brazil across to Peru and Chile. Calibrachoa are closely related to the petunia. However on further examination i t has been found that there are major differences in chromosomes, corresponding to external differences and fertilization factors that distinguished Calibrachoa from the petunias. Calibrachoa is named after Antonio de la Cal y Bracho, a 19t h century Mexican botanist and pharmacologist. Some of these are kept as ornamental plants. The plants can tolerate light frost and thrive in sun or semi-shade. Plant in a free-draining soil and water only w hen the soil is almost dry. Propagate from tip cuttings.