- Plant Characteristics:
This herbaceous perennial boasts clusters of bell-shaped, violet-blue flowers and lush green foliage, creating striking garden displays. A pollinator magnet, it attracts bees and butterflies, adding life to any garden. - Growing & Care:
Thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil with moderate moisture. Requires minimal care but benefits from deadheading to encourage prolonged blooming and prevent self-seeding. - Tips for New Gardeners:
Ideal for beginners due to its hardy nature and adaptability to various conditions. Take care to control its spread, as it can become invasive in some regions.
Few perennials combine beauty and versatility as elegantly as Campanula glomerata. Also known as clustered bellflower, is a charming, herbaceous perennial known for its vibrant violet-blue, bell-shaped flowers.
This European native typically achieves a height of 1-2 feet (around 0.3-0.6 m) and a spread of 1 foot (approximately 0.3 m), making it a delightful addition to borders, rock gardens, or cottage gardens.
The Campanula plant's dense sprays of flowers bloom from late spring to early summer, often reblooming in late summer or early fall, providing a long season of color. The leaves are dark green and lance-shaped, creating a lovely contrast with the bright blossoms. The clustered bellflower is a favorite among gardeners for its attractive form, extended blooming period, and its appeal to pollinators like bees and butterflies. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8 and RHS hardiness zones H6 to H7.
Growing Campanula Glomerata in the Garden
Clustered bellflower prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. While it can adapt to a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, it prefers slightly alkaline to neutral pH.
Campanula glomerata propagation is typically done through division in spring or fall. However, it can also be propagated through seeds sown in early spring (seeds sown indoors in the early spring should be stratified (chilled) for better germination). If growing from seed, bear in mind that germination may take up to three weeks.
When planting, dig a hole that's twice as wide and the same depth as the root ball. Water well after planting, then regularly until the plant is established. Afterward, it can tolerate periods of drought, but regular watering will promote the best growth and flowering.
Pruning is not strictly required for this plant, but deadheading spent flowers can encourage a second bloom and prevent self-seeding, which can be prolific. A slow-release, balanced fertilizer applied in early spring can support healthy growth and plentiful flowering.
While generally resilient, Campanula glomerata can occasionally be affected by pests such as slugs and snails. Regular monitoring and prompt control measures will ensure the health and beauty of your clustered bellflower. With these simple care tips, your garden can benefit from the vibrant color and appealing shape of the Campanula glomerata.
Quick Campanula glomerata Growing and Care Guide
Scientific Name: Campanula glomerata
Common Name(s): Clustered Bellflower, Dane's Blood
Growing Zone (USA / UK Hardiness): USDA Zones: 3-8 RHS Hardiness Rating: H7.
Best Used For / Garden Location: Ideal for borders, cottage gardens, or rock gardens. Prefers full sun to part shade.
Plant Details
Life Cycle / Plant Type: Perennial.
Plant Height: 1-2 feet (30-60 cm).
Plant Spread: 0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm).
Blooms: Late spring to early summer.
Flower Details: Bell-shaped, vibrant purple flowers in dense clusters.
Leaf Foliage: Oval to lance-shaped, medium green leaves.
Fruit: Small capsules containing tiny seeds.
Growing Conditions and Location
Best Light Conditions: Full sun to part shade.
Suitable Soil Types: Well-draining loam or clay, prefers alkaline to neutral pH.
Sowing / planting: Sow seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost or plant young plants in spring or early autumn.
Germination time: Seeds usually germinate in 14-28 days at 65-70°F (18-21°C).
Propagation: Divide in early spring or take basal cuttings in spring.
Plant Care: Regular watering, but avoid waterlogging. Deadhead to prolong blooming.
Growing in pots and containers: Suitable for pots, provided they have good drainage and receive regular watering. Use a well-draining potting mix, ideally amended with sand or perlitea, in a container at least 12 inches wide and deep to support healthy root growth. Smaller pots may limit growth.
Growing as a House plant: Not typically grown as a houseplant.
Further Information
Miscellaneous: Attracts butterflies and bees. May may spread aggressively under optimal conditions, so may need to be controlled.
Pests and diseases: Generally pest-free but can be affected by slugs, snails, and powdery mildew.
Common Cultivars / Varieties: Campanula glomerata 'Superba', known for its deep violet flowers. Campanula glomerata 'Alba', features pure white flowers.
Family: Campanulaceae, the Bellflower family.
Native: Europe and Western Asia.
References and Further Reading: "Campanula glomerata." Royal Horticultural Society. www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/2977/i-Campanula-glomerata-i/Details.
Common Questions
Does Campanula glomerata make a good garden or landscaping plant?
Yes, also known as clustered bellflower, it makes a great addition to gardens or landscapes. Its vivid blue to purple flowers and clumping habit make it ideal for borders and cottage gardens.
Is Campanula glomerata a fragrant plant?
This plant does not have a significant fragrance. Its primary appeal lies in its attractive, bell-shaped flowers and clumping growth habit.
What is the perfect location to grow Campanula glomerata?
It prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It's particularly well-suited to borders, cottage gardens, and rock gardens.
Is Campanula glomerata invasive in the USA, and if so, in which states?
This species is not generally considered invasive in the USA. However, it can spread by seed and may need managing in some garden situations to prevent it from becoming overly self-seeding.
How do I remove Campanula glomerata from my garden?
To remove it, first cut back the plant, then dig out the root system, ensuring all roots are removed to prevent regrowth.
Summary
Campanula glomerata, native to Europe and western Asia, enjoys full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. This perennial produces clustered, bell-shaped flowers in early summer.
I hope that you have enjoyed reading this guide on how to grow the Clustered Bellflower. You may also enjoy the following growing guides: How to grow False Campanula, Allium caeruleum, and Phyteuma plants in the garden.
