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Campanula--Bellflower, Harebell

By The Old House Web

Campanula--Bellflower, Harebell

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The campanulas tolerate ordinary garden soil and grow in sun or shade but exact preferences vary with species. Flowering can be prolonged if the flowers are removed when they fade. Most campanulas are set 12 to 18 inches apart but heights vary among species.

The plants can be divided but those with large rootstocks may be difficult. Seed may be planted outdoors in late spring or early summer with flowering occurring the following year. The seed is fine and may be hard to handle. Seed planted indoors germinates in 2 to 3 weeks.

Campanula carpatica--Carpathian Bellflower Carpathian Bellflower is useful in rock gardens. It produces blue or white flowers and grows into a mat. Preferred growing conditions are semi-shade and a well- drained fertile loam. If grown in sun more water is needed. The plant grows 6 to 12 inches high. Carpathian Bellflower needs winter protection and may die out in dry weather. Division may be done in spring or fall.

Campanula coclearifolia This easily grown plant is 4 to 6 inches tall and has blue or white flowers. This bellflower prefers partial shade and a gritty soil with a pH of 6 to 7.

Campanula grossekii This bellflower grows 3 to 4 feet tall and has flowers of pale lilac.

Campanula medium--Canterbury Bells Canterbury Bells is a biennial producing purple, lavender, pink or white flowers. The plant takes sun or partial shade and has no particular soil preference. Cut the flowers as they fade to produce a second flush of bloom. Winter protection is suggested. Seed germinates in 2 to 3 weeks at 70 degrees. Sow seed during July and August and transplant the seedlings into cold frames. Young plants are transplanted into the garden in the spring to bloom. Seed may be planted in May and June then in October.

Campanula persicifolia--Peach-leaved Bellflower Peach-leaved Bellflower grows 2 to 3 feet tall and bears blue or white, 1 and 1/2 inch flowers. The flowers are borne in June, July, or August and may be single, double, or semi-double depending on the cultivar grown. Seed grown plants are quite variable. The plant prefers sun or partial shade. Division may be done in fall or spring and must be done often enough to prevent plant deterioration.

Campanula porscharskyana This bellflower grows in sun or shade. The plant spreads by underground runners and may become rampant on good sites. Although a trailing plant 4 to 6 inches tall, it can grow to 3 feet if the stems are supported. The flowers are lavender blue and are more open and star shaped than other campanulas. Flowering occurs in June, July, or August.

Visuals associated with this text.

Visual title - Visual size Visual title - Visual size
Campanula carpatica - 64K Campanula medium - 70K
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