Campanula

The Bellflowers

Gardeners love hardy plants and they also like those with great flowers, Campanula generally fit the bill in both cases. They are perennial plants and range from low growing ground cover types to tall stately varieties.

With nearly 300 species, Campanula are a versatile perennial flowering plant that can make a good ground cover, be used in hanging baskets or be used as a feature in the cottage garden, forming a clump. Some varieties make excellent ground cover plants with dense basal foliage.

Some are widely used in the garden, others are rare such as C. sarmatica pictured right. However the world of campanulas does have a lot to offer.

Bell shaped flowers on some species purple to white above heart shaped leaves, most are with upright flower spikes depending on type.

How To Grow Campanula – Basic Care

Most species generally require a sunny position and a fertile soil, they can be cut back after flowering to promote a second flush of flowers and generally are dormant in the winter.

• Position – most varieties prefer full sun to a little afternoon shade.
• Soil – Humus rich, well drained and a neutral soil ph.
• Flower Colours – From white through to pink, mauve and blue.
• Flowering time –  Spring to summer.
• Fertiliser – Top dress with some compost and aged cow manure in late winter.
• Propagation – easy by division of established clumps, also possible from seed.
• Pruning – Prune back toe ground as the foliage does back.

Propagation Techniques

Propagation is from division or from seed, and once established they are really an easy care plant.

Propagation from Seed

For lots of plants, or to grow more varieties propagation from seed is a good method:
Generally sowing seeds in early spring in trays or punnets is recommended.

1. Prepare a seed tray with moist potting mix or seed-starting mix.
2. Sprinkle seeds thinly on the surface, pressing lightly without covering, as they need light to germinate.
3. Keep the tray in a warm, bright location (18-21°C) and maintain consistent moisture by misting regularly.
4. Germination usually occurs within 2-3 weeks; once seedlings have 3-4 true leaves or are about 7-10 cm tall, thin or transplant them into individual pots.
5. Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions before planting them out in well-draining soil with good sun exposure.

Propagation By Division

• In early spring, dig around the mature plant about 20 cm away from the base to avoid root damage.
• Carefully lift the clump from the ground with a garden fork or spade.
• Separate the clump into smaller sections by hand or with a clean knife, ensuring each division has roots and shoots.
• Replant the divisions at the same depth in prepared soil that drains well and receives full to partial sun.
• Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly and keep soil moist until they establish.

5 Reasons to Grow Campanulas

1. Long Blooming Period: 
   Campanulas offer a lengthy flowering season, often from late spring to early autumn, providing beautiful, bell-shaped blooms for months.
2. Versatile Garden Use: 
   They thrive in various settings—garden beds, borders, rock gardens, containers, and hanging baskets—suited to both formal and cottage garden styles.
3. Attractive to Pollinators: 
   Their flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, helping promote a healthy garden ecosystem.
4. Low Maintenance: 
   Campanulas are generally easy to grow and resilient, with many species tolerating partial shade and varying soil types.
5. Wide Variety of Forms & Colours: 
   From ground-hugging mats to tall spires, and flower colors ranging from blue, purple, white, and pink, campanulas add diversity and charm to any garden.

Some Campanula Varieties

• C. portenschlagiana and C. longistyla are other species worth considering.
• C. grossekii with its violet blue starry bell shaped flowers is long flowering, will reach nearly 1m in height and it spreads slowly.

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GARDEN EXPRESS - phone :1300 606 242
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"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
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Companion Plants

1. Dianthus – Their spiky foliage contrasts beautifully with the bell-shaped flowers of campanula, and they share similar growing requirements.
2. Geraniums (Hardy types) – These coexist well with campanula, sharing resources without aggressive competition.
3. Shasta Daisies – Their white blooms complement the purple and blue hues of many campanula species, creating attractive garden combinations.
4. Lavender – Both plants prefer well-drained soil and similar light conditions, making them compatible garden partners.
5. Salvia – Different root structures reduce competition, and salvia’s flowering spikes add vertical interest alongside campanulas.