BOTANICAL NAME
Campanula spp. (cam-PAN-yoo-luh)

COMMON NAMES
Bellflower, Canterbury bells

DESCRIPTION
Depending on species, potted Campanulas sport a variety of habits ranging from tall and upright to low and mounded to vining. Blooms are bell, star or funnel shaped, and there are both small-flowered and large-flowered species.

COLORS
Campanulas are available in lavender, purple, blue-violet, pink and white.

DECORATIVE LIFE
Campanulas can bloom for two to four weeks in the home, and because most species grown as houseplants are cold-hardy perennials, these plants can live for years in the garden following their stints as indoor pot plants.

AVAILABILITY
Campanulas are available year-round.

in-store and consumer care
LIGHT
Indoors, display Campanulas in bright, indirect sunlight. Outdoors, place plants in sunny locations, in cooler zones, and in lightly shaded locations, in warmer zones. Avoid full sun in the afternoons.

WATER
Keep the soil moist to the touch at all times, but reduce watering during the winter dormancy period. Irregular watering and underwatering can cause bud drop. Do not allow pots to sit in water.

TEMPERATURE
The optimal indoor temperature range for Campanula plants is 60 F to 70 F; outdoors, 40 F to 90 F.

HUMIDITY
Moderate humidity is required, so in dry environments, occasionally mist Campanula plants or the air around them.

ETHYLENE SENSITIVITY
Campanulas’ sensitivity to ethylene gas varies by species and cultivar. To be safe, make sure all your purchases are treated with an antiethylene agent at the grower or during shipping.

FERTILIZER
Plant food typically is not required during the initial indoor blooming cycle. If plants are transplanted outdoors, apply liquid fertilizer at half dosage every two weeks during the spring and summer. Water plants before applying plant food.

SOIL
Campanulas require a well-draining potting mix, such as a peat moss, soil and sand mixture.

REBLOOMING/GROOMING
Indoors, remove blooms as they fade, and once flowering is complete, cut back stems, keep plants in a cool location and keep soil fairly dry. You also can transplant Campanulas outdoors (see “Light” earlier in this section), where they will flower from spring through summer and go dormant in winter. To encourage continuous blooming outdoors, occasionally cut back stems after blooms have faded.

challenges
PESTS
Several insects are likely to show up on Campanulas. Check frequently for spider mites, aphids, thrips, scale, whiteflies and slugs.

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