 blooming
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campanula
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BOTANICAL NAME
Campanula
spp. (cam-PAN-yoo-la)
COMMON NAMES
 Bellflower, Bluebell, Chimney bells, Canterbury bells,
Star-of-Bethlehem, Falling stars
DESCRIPTION
The Campanula genus includes annual, biennial and
perennial plants. The flowers are bell-, star- or funnel-shaped,
are 1 inch to 2 inches wide and come in loose clusters at the
ends of long stems. These plants perform well in hanging baskets
and window boxes and as ground cover.
COLORS
Most Campanula varieties are available in
violet-blue, purple, pink and white.
DECORATIVE LIFE
 Campanulas can bloom for two to four weeks in the home. They can
live for years in the garden, providing customers added value
for their dollars.
AVAILABILITY
Campanulas are available year-round.
VARIETIES
There
are more than 300 species of Campanula plants.
IN-STORE AND CONSUMER CARE
LIGHT
Indoors, display Campanulas in bright, indirect sunlight.
Place outdoor plants in full sun to light shade.
WATER
Keep the soil moist to the touch at all times, but reduce
watering during the winter rest period. Irregular watering and
drying can cause bud drop. Avoid standing water.
TEMPERATURE
The optimal indoor temperature for displaying and storing
Campanula plants is 60 F to 70 F. Do not refrigerate
Campanulas because sudden drops in temperature can result in
blossom drop, wilt or burn. During the winter, keep the plants
cool, but don’t let the temperature go below 45 F.
HUMIDITY
Moderate humidity is required, so mist Campanulas daily.
FERTILIZER
Healthy, fertilized plants are more tolerant of insect attacks.
Be sure plants are well-watered before applying fertilizer,
which should be
applied at half rate sparingly during the spring and summer. Do
not fertilize during the winter.
SOIL
Campanulas
will do best in an acidic, moist, well-drained soil.
GROOMING To prolong
blooming, remove flowers once they have faded. Cut the plants
back when they have finished flowering to remove straggly stems
and faded blooms.
CHALLENGES
ETHYLENE SENSITIVITY
All Campanulas are moderately sensitive to ethylene gas,
and some species are more sensitive than others. Check with your
supplier to make sure your Campanula plants have been
treated with an anti-ethylene agent at the grower level or
during transportation.
PESTS
Several
insects are likely to show up on Campanulas. Check
frequently for spider mites, aphids, thrips, scales, whiteflies
and slugs.
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WHAT’S IN A NAME
The
genus name “Campanula” comes from the Latin word “campana”
for “bell,” referring to the bell-shaped flowers.
FAMILY
Campanula
is a member of the Campanulaceae, or bellflower,
family. Relatives include Platycodon (balloon
flower), Trachelium (throatwort) and Wahlenbergia.
HOME SWEET HOME
Campanulas
are native to Europe.
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Some information provided by:
Chain of Life Network®,
www.chainoflifenetwork.org
The Houseplant Encyclopedia by Ingrid Jantra and Ursula
Krüger
The New House Plant Expert, by Dr. D.G. Hessayon
Nurserymen’s Exchange, Inc.,
www.bloomrite.com
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