Campanula rapunculoides aka Creeping Bellflower
Taxonomy
Campanula rapunculoides, also known as creeping bellflower rampion bellflower, rover bellflower, garden bluebell, creeping bluebell, purple bell, garden harebell, and creeping campanula, is a clump-forming herbaceous perennial plant. Native to central and southern Europe and west Asia, it is a member of the Campanulaceae family. While it provides a long flowering display in summer with its outward facing, white, bell-shaped flowers, it can be a nuisance in some parts of North America where it is an invasive species. This plant has tall upright stems with green, lance-shaped foliage. Despite being easy to grow, it does not tolerate wet winters well. Although it may appear lovely with its pretty purple blooms, Campanula rapunculoides is actually a burly thug that can create havoc in gardens. If you find yourself dealing with this invader, continue reading to discover how to remove creeping bellflowers.
Common names
Creeping Bellflower, Rampion Bellflower, European Bellflower, Lygurian Bellflower, ClochettesHow to care for Creeping Bellflower
Difficulty
With a bit of knowledge and dedication, you can successfully care for Creeping Bellflower, making it a rewarding choice for those seeking a moderate challenge.
Water
Creeping Bellflower should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Soil
Creeping Bellflower loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.
Lighting
To ensure optimal growth, the Creeping Bellflower prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.
Toxicity
Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.
Fertilizer
The Creeping Bellflower should be repotted either when it doubles in size or annually, whichever comes first. Providing new potting soil with all the vital nutrients annually is enough to support the growth of the plant, and thus, there is no need for fertilizer. Remember that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizer.
Region of origin
Creeping Bellflower’s native range is Europe, north to 65°N., east to W. Asia and the Caucasus. Introduced in Britain.
More info:
Wikipedia
More Species in Campanula Genus
Campanula aparinoides Bedstraw Bellflower
Campanula medium Canterbury Bells
Campanula spicata Spiked Bellflower
Campanula parryi Rocky Mountain Bellflower
Campanula prenanthoides California Harebell
Campanula lasiocarpa Mountain Harebell
Campanula trachelium Nettle Leaved Bellflower
Campanula fenestrellata Adriatic Bellflower
Campanula rapunculoides Creeping Bellflower
