Campanula – also known as bellflower plants – are renowned for their cheery appearance and happy nodding heads.
These perennial flowers are native to a number of regions and particularly areas that offer cool nights and moderate temperatures, deemed to be the ideal conditions for growing bellflowers.
Seasons
Campanula flowers predominantly bloom in both June and July, however certain species are able to flower up until October.
Where to place
These long-lasting alpine flowers promise to brighten the landscape in both rock gardens and borders. Smaller species can also be used in containers.
Varieties of Campanula plant
Campanula flowers are available in over 300 annual, biennial and perennial varieties, spanning several hues and sizes.
Each variant shares the same characteristic, in the shape of an open cup-shaped, upturned flower. These blooms boast shades of white, pink, lavender, and light blue. If you’re looking for plants that are ideal for ground cover, choose the lower growing varieties. The majority of these flowers begin blooming in July and keep on flowering until frost.
Popular variants
Bluebells – Bluebells are one of the most popular Campanula plants in existence. These delicate woodland flowers are native to North America, where they tend to grow in highland fields. Another variant of Bluebell comes in the shape of the Scotch bluebell, which is native to the British Isles. This particular specie can grow up to 10 inches in height.
Dwarf bellflowers – Dwarf variants are the perfect Campanula bellflowers for use in rockery and container gardens, as they thrive in smaller spaces. They grow to just three inches in height, yet despite this, can spread to an impressive width of 15 inches.
Carpathian harebell – These species grow to 12 inches tall and are one of the most cold-hardy specimens of Campanulas in existence.
American bellflower – although this plant is somewhat of a vigorous seeder, its beautiful blue blooms, which grow to an inch in width, are worth the additional care and maintenance that are needed
Conditions for growing bellflowers
Campanula flowers are hardy plants and they are able to withstand harsh winters, including both extreme weather and arid conditions. Despite this, they thrive best when in full sunlight and can grow in highly acidic soils of any pH. Once established, these plants can withstand periods of drought.
How to grow Campanula plants
Campanula can be grown from rhizomes or seeds. For best results, plant the tiny seeds in pre-prepared soil in the month of spring. If you plant them any earlier, they may fall prey to frost. In the initial stages of growth, the soil should be kept moderately moist.
To plant rhizomes, remove them from the parent plant from the root node. The next step requires you to submerge the roots in the soil.
Bellflower care
Campanula plants are almost maintenance-free, which makes them a great option for the busy gardener. They require little expertise to care for, which makes them an ideal choice for amateurs too.
Prolonging the life of your plant
Deadheading Campanula flowers will promote long-lasting blooms. To rejuvenate the plant, simply cut it back to the ground. This procedure should take place in late winter to early spring.
Certain varieties of Campanula flowers boast invasive potential. If you choose to grow variants of this sort, it’s important to remove the seed heads before they spread.
Caring for potted Campanula plants
When purchasing Campanula plants for indoor use, it’s likely your chosen plant will come potted. Irrespective of this, it’s important to make sure the pot in question has an abundance of drainage holes. If the area you’re placing the plant into allows for it, use a basket instead of a pot. Baskets act as a great vessel for these species of plants, as they allow for the perfect drainage and airflow.
Lighting
Campanulas predominantly enjoy a great deal of light. When growing Campanula plants indoors, this can be difficult to achieve. Garden experts suggest investing in fluorescent grow light. This should sit six inches above the plant and should be left on for around 13 hours per day. This is particularly the case throughout the winter months, as this is when these plants require more light than your windowsill has available.
Watering
The soil should be moist and water on a regular basis, without becoming soggy. Try to use filtered water that is room temperature. If you only have tap water at your disposal, ensure it sits for 24 hours before use, as this will help to remove as many chemicals from the liquid as possible.
Fertilizer
For best results during the growing period, feed your Campanula plant with a liquid fertilizer every 12 days. The liquid fertilizer should be diluted to half its recommended concentration in the winter months, and then returned to normal when spring arrives.
Air circulation
Campanulas enjoy good air circulation. Obtaining a fan is a great idea as this will improve the air surrounding the plant. If using a ceiling fan, keep the setting low and pointed away from the plant.
Pruning
To encourage new growth, deadhead the plant when required. This task should usually be completed when the flowers have perished. For best results, prune Campanula plants around an inch above the soil. This care tip will ensure the plant enjoys a long and healthy life.
Replanting
Throughout the entire vegetation process of spring until May, it’s perfectly possible to replant bell flowers, particularly those that have been housed in a basket or a pot indoors.
You should replant plants when the roots overtake the soil. When replanting, it’s always a good idea to replace the existing soil with fresh soil and only carry out this process every two years. If replanting a plant that has been housed in a hanging basket, use more than one plant in order to create the appearance of more dense growth.
Although there are many aspects to remember when caring for Campanula plants, their growth is relatively easy to oversee and you should be able to add plenty of colour to your garden or indoor spaces.
Source: gardeningknowhow.com
Content retrieved from: https://www.serenataplants.com/care-guide-campanula-plant/.
Comments are closed.