Campanula commonly known as bellflower is one of several genera in the family Campanulaceae, The flowers are produced in panicles (sometimes solitary), and have a five-lobed corolla, typically large (2–5 cm or more long), mostly blue to purple, sometimes white or pink.
Below the corolla, 5 leaf-like sepals form the calyx. Some species have a small additional leaf-like growth termed an “appendage” between each sepal, and the presence or absence, relative size, and attitude of the appendage is often used to distinguish between closely related species.
Bellflower care includes deadheading to promote more blooms and a longer lasting display. You can also cut it down to the ground in late winter to early spring to rejuvenate the plant.
Also, some varieties of bellflower have invasive potential and seed heads need to be removed before they spread.
They require full sun for best flower production, and well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Once established, bellflower plants can tolerate periods of drought.
Soil conditions for growing bellflowers can be any pH range, including highly acidic.
Container plants can be set out any time during the growing season.
Space most plants about a foot apart; the tall milky bellflower should have 24 inch spacing. Prepare the garden bed by using a garden fork or tiller to loosen the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the pot the plant is in.
Carefully remove the plant from its container and place it in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface.
Carefully fill in around the root ball and firm the soil gently. Water thoroughly. Water plants during the summer if rainfall is less than 1 inch per week.
Deadhead flowers to neaten plants and prevent self-sowing. On taller types, remove faded flowers individually, then cut back the flowering stalks to the base when all bloom is finished.
With low growers, wait until the first flush of bloom is past, then shear back plants by half. Peachleaf bellflower can self-sow to the point of weediness if not deadheaded.
With its weak stems and ability to spread via rhizomes, the most natural use of this perennial is as a ground cover, in which capacity it can be employed, for example, in rock gardens, as an edging plant, or atop stone walls, over which it can spill for optimal effect.
Or install the plants along the rim of a container garden and let them cascade down over the sides.
I personally prefer the look of this plant hanging down over something, rather than just trailing along the ground.
