Perennial bells: planting and care. Growing garden flowers. Perennial bell: types with photos, planting and care Types of garden bells and their names

Growing and caring for bells, which are widespread in garden plots, is not a problem, since even cultivated species easily adapt to weather changes. But decorative, large and constantly blooming buds require good care. The plant will have its proper appearance only under optimal conditions in which it should be grown. Planting and caring for each species is carried out taking into account its characteristics.

General rules for growing bells

Many types of bluebells grow well in full sun but also enjoy partial shade. Some of them bloom longer in such conditions.

Bluebells grow everywhere, except in areas with stagnant water. They really do not like lowlands with loamy or clay soil. They will not grow in flooded areas. If groundwater is located close, you can plant flowers on high ridges, providing them with good drainage.

Planting bluebells

The soil should be loose. To do this, peat and humus are added to loam or clay soil. The bushes are replanted in autumn or spring. At the same time, leave a lump of earth so as not to damage the adventitious roots. The holes are watered abundantly before and after planting. If the roots are strong, the flowers take root better in early spring. For a less developed root system, planting is done in May, when the earth warms up.

In the fall, the bushes need to take root before frost sets in. The work is carried out in late summer or early autumn.

Fertilizers

In spring, nitrogen is added to the soil to promote rapid growth of green plant matter. In the summer, complex ones are used and in the fall potassium is added, which increases resistance to frost.

Care

Summer care consists of periodic loosening, weeding and regular feeding with mineral fertilizers or rotted manure. Before flowering, this work must be done. Moderate watering is used.

For long flowering, dried stems are removed. Some of them are left, hoping to get seeds. As soon as the boxes turn brown, they are collected before they open and the seeds fall into the soil.

Before the onset of cold weather, all plant stems are cut off at the root. Shelter is required mostly for species originating from southern Europe and Asia. The soil is sprinkled with peat, spruce branches or dry leaves.

How to grow bluebells from seeds

Most species repeat the properties of the parent plants, and they can be propagated by seeds. Some varieties, such as terry varieties, may differ from their parents. In this case, they are propagated vegetatively.

Bluebells produce very small seeds and should be placed on the ground under a thin layer of sand. In the 2nd half of October or May, the seeds are sown in the ground. You can grow seedlings starting in March. To do this, prepare light soil from a mixture of peat, turf soil and sand, without the addition of organic fertilizers.

Germination of seedlings occurs 2 weeks after sowing. When 3 true leaves appear, the seedlings dive after 10 cm. Plants are planted in a permanent place in early June. Flowers and seeds will appear within a year.

Reproduction by division

Perennial bells are propagated by division. Planting and care begin in the second or third year of the growing season. The method is suitable for vegetative sedentary and mobile plants. Carpal or does not allow vegetative propagation, and seedlings are grown only from seeds.

The aboveground part is cut off and the plant is divided so that each part has an adequate root system. The separated sprout is planted in the chosen place and watered abundantly.

Cuttings

Cuttings are made from young shoots using microgreenhouses. Each of the decorative types of bells has its own characteristics that should be taken into account when caring for and growing.

Carpathian bell

This species is most common in gardens due to its beauty, long flowering throughout the summer and unpretentiousness. The Carpathian bell is a mountain plant, and in nature it can be seen on mountain slopes. In artificial conditions it is planted on alpine hills and rockeries.

From small seedlings, the perennial bell quickly grows into a large bush. Carpathian varieties are classified as low-growing. The heart-shaped leaves form a spherical bush with a diameter of up to 30 cm. Flowering lasts up to 70 days and can be extended by regularly cutting off dried inflorescences.

Flowers grow well among stones, which create drainage and protect the soil from drying out. Excess fertilizer is not required, and the soil should not be acidic. To do this, add lime or wood ash.

When propagated by cuttings in the spring-summer period, the base and upper part with buds are cut off from the young shoot. The cuttings are germinated in a mixture of earth, humus and sand. The flowers are unpretentious and require watering only in dry times.

After 5 years, perennial bells should be planted in other places. Planting and care with propagation by seeds is done less frequently, since the seedlings develop unevenly and slowly. Flowering in young plants begins only after 2-3 years. Sowing is done in the fall, and seedlings appear in the spring. For early flowering, bushes are planted by division.

The flowers of the Carpathian bell resemble elegant porcelain of light lilac or white color. They stand in water for a long time if you split the ends of the stems and remove the lower leaves.

Bellflower peach

Bluebell will grow on sandy or cultivated clay or loamy soil. It is desirable to have drainage and more humus. Plants are not afraid of shading and prefer soil with a neutral or slightly acidic reaction. You should not add a lot of fertilizers, as this will negatively affect the durability of plants in winter and lead to their rapid aging.

Reproduction of peach-leaved bellflower is done by seeds. They are sown in greenhouses starting in mid-spring. Bells from seeds do not inherit the parental characteristics.

In July, the seedlings are harvested, and in August they are planted in a permanent place. For the winter, the plant is covered with peat or a 15-20 cm layer of dry leaves. With proper care, the bell may bloom next year. If you delay planting or picking, the buds will appear only in the third year.

Peach-leaved species are not long-lived plants, although they are perennial bluebells. Planting and care during propagation by division make it possible to inherit parental characteristics. The transplant is done at the beginning or end of summer, and the roots should be covered with clods of earth. Cuttings are also often used and are done in sand.

For effective flowering, you need to periodically feed the bell. Growing will be effective if fertilizers are applied correctly. In spring, nitrogen is used, and before flowering, various complex mineral fertilizers are used. In addition, faded shoots are pruned so that the blooming bells will delight the eye longer. The photo shows what they can look like with proper care.

Bell dotted

The bell got its name from the presence of specks inside the petal. The plant is common in temperate regions and blooms until autumn. It is distinguished by heads hanging down, collected in inflorescences.

In a wide range of colors you can find bells white, blue, pink, dark red, blue.

Many varieties are capricious. In different habitat conditions, the same one can be terry or ordinary. Among them are many unpretentious plants that decorate the garden.

Growing bluebells is not that easy. Its seeds are extremely small. In order for them to germinate, good light is required. The soil must be light, sand is poured on it, and seeds are placed on top. They are sprayed with water and covered with a gap on top. When shoots appear, the film is temporarily removed from the box during the day. Watering is done very carefully so that the seedlings are not washed away by water. The soil should not dry out, otherwise it will lead to the death of the seedlings. After 3 true leaves appear, the seedlings are planted. Growth occurs unevenly, and some of the remaining plants are buried in the soil and grown until transplanted.

In June, seedlings are planted in open ground, and at the end of summer the bells begin to bloom. A photo reflecting all the beauty of this species can be seen in our article. Growing bells from seeds is difficult, but it produces rare varieties. They are preserved and propagated by division.

Underground, the dotted bellflower is developing rapidly. To prevent the shoots from spreading further, use plastic or metal strips buried in the ground.

To grow bells, use places with good lighting. Watering during active growth is limited, otherwise the plant may stretch and break under its own weight. After flowering, the bell drops its leaves. It gets along well with other flowers, so it is advisable to add thickeners to it that bloom earlier and later.

Campanula latifolia

The perennial plant has a powerful rhizome and is unpretentious. Racemes of blue, purple or white bloom in early summer. The lower leaves are wide and dense, and the small upper leaves beautifully set off the large flowers.

Seeds are planted at the end of March. To improve germination, cover the top of the soil with a film and keep it moist. Diving is done when two true leaves appear. Seedlings are planted in the ground when constant heat sets in. Flowering begins next year.

Seeds can be planted directly into the ground in late May or early June. There is no need to sprinkle them. The soil is kept moist and covered. Every day the seeds are ventilated, and after germination the shelter is removed.

The rhizomes are divided directly into the ground and then planted. Add humus to the hole and water well. Cuttings are not always successful, so this method is rarely used. For better growth of the root system, special preparations are used, for example, “Kornevin”.

The plants are unpretentious, but lose their decorative properties when there is not enough moisture. Extra watering is also not needed. During growth, complex fertilizers are used. Bells are covered with sawdust or spruce branches for the winter.

Campanula lactiflora

The perennial is winter-hardy. It grows up to 1.7 m in height and up to 0.5 m in width. Flowering occurs magnificently, and the inflorescences are completely covered by leaves and stems. In gardens you can find white, blue-lilac, bluish bells, and also with different shades. Flowering lasts no more than a month. After trimming the faded stems at the end of August, it is repeated, but not so luxuriantly.

Due to its deep roots, it is not advisable to replant the plant; it is better to do this while it is young. The root collar is very vulnerable. When alternating thaws and frosts, the renewal buds may die.

Campanula lactiflora is rarely used in gardens due to its large size. Some plants require support. They are grown in soil with average fertility. Excess moisture is not needed, but during drought it is necessary to water the perennial bluebell. Varieties may also differ in compact plant size, for example, Favorite, Pouffe, White Pouffe.

Campanula equifolia

A perennial plant with proper care blooms and lasts for many years. In nature, the bellflower is found in the Italian Alps. The flowers support fragile stems 30 cm high.

Of all the species, only the bellflower is grown in pots. However, it can grow in alpine hills and flower beds. The indoor bellflower looks beautiful in hanging pots with delicate herbaceous shoots hanging down.

Campanula Bolognese

The perennial belongs to the European-West Asian species. It is also called steppe bellflower. Here it grows in the European part of Russia and the Caucasus. The plant is found in meadows, along river banks, and forest edges.

The bluebell reproduces mainly by seeds. Belongs to a vulnerable species. It is being replaced by land development and livestock grazing. In many regions it is listed in the Red Book.

The plants are tall and bloom for about 3 weeks. The bluish-lavender flowers are small in size and do not grow too densely. The plant survives everywhere, but with poor care the flowering is very modest and short.

The bell quickly loses its decorative effect, so it is advisable to supplement it with other perennials.

Conclusion

Due to their decorative properties and long flowering, perennial bells have become popular in our gardens. Despite their unpretentiousness, they require certain rules of cultivation and care.

Bluebell, or garden campanula, is a very beautiful and useful crop that can help in the fight against many diseases, including epilepsy in children. More than a hundred species of this representative of the flora are considered cultivated, and today the modest flower rightfully occupies its rightful place not only in the flowerbeds of summer cottages, but is also popular as a houseplant. The article is devoted to recommendations for breeding and growing various varieties of bluebell flowers from seeds and contains information about its most famous varieties.

Optimal conditions for growing bells in open ground

Campanula is a rather unpretentious plant of the dicotyledonous class., which does not require special care and can adapt to the environment. However, the attractive appearance of the inflorescences and the long duration of flowering are possible only by taking into account some of the characteristics of individual types of bells and by creating the most comfortable conditions for the culture.

The overwhelming majority of cultivated Campanula species love well-lit, open areas, although they also feel quite good in partial shade and can even bloom longer than in the sun.

When choosing a place for planting, it is necessary to take into account that the bell does not tolerate stagnant moisture, because the proximity of groundwater can lead to freezing in winter. Thus, lowlands with clay soil are definitely not suitable.

Features of growing bells (video)

Types of bellflower: botanical description

All types of bells can be divided into forest, meadow and mountain. Below are the most widely known varieties suitable for cultivation on the site.

Bellflower peach

Characteristic structural features of this type of campanula are a short, woody rhizome, a straight stem without leaves, an inflorescence with broadly lanceolate flowers, usually sky blue. Inside it is also divided into creeping, creeping, long and slightly descending. This variety blooms from summer until the onset of frost.

A compact cushion-shaped plant (height - up to 15 cm), forming dense thickets. It grows very quickly with the help of its roots. The flowers are violet-blue or reddish-violet, and the heart-shaped leaves are round and jagged. The flowering period is June-August.

This graceful variety, developed in Northern Italy, features long (22-25 cm) creeping or cascading stems that are densely covered with greenery. From June to September it is decorated with delicate violet-blue or white flowers. The leaves of Campanula equifolia have a heart shape and a serrated edge; the central vein is clearly defined.

The name of the species speaks for itself: it is a low bush with thin, flexible stems and dense foliage, during the flowering period strewn with double flowers of various shades, ranging from white to purple. Double bells were developed by crossing Sparrowleaf and Carpathian Campanula and are a variety of Campanula equifolia.

The stems of this type of campanula are straight, branched, with a large number of leaves; the plant itself is quite tall - 50-150 cm. The root system is taproot. The pleasantly smelling inflorescences are milky white in color, collected in large clusters, and each flower reaches a diameter of 4 cm.

Campanula latifolia

This tall perennial, more than a meter tall, is distinguished not only by its size, but also by its powerful branched root system. The leaves are large, serrated. This variety blooms with large racemose purple, blue or snow-white bells. The inflorescences combine perfectly with the dense greenery of the ovoid leaves. Tolerates lack of moisture and pest attacks well.

Another name for the variety is Pantaloons. Distinctive features of the variety: straight, pubescent stem up to 70 cm high, oval leaves, large inflorescences with drooping flowers (from 1 to 5) of various shades of white and blue. The root of the dotted bell is thin and fibrous. The main advantage of this variety is its long flowering period: from the beginning of summer until the onset of the first frost.

The species is popularly called “groom”; is a variety of Campanula equifolia. The shoots reach a length of 40 centimeters, the leaves are dark and fleecy. During the flowering period, the “groom” is decorated with bluish-lilac, fragile-looking five-leafed leaves.

A pretty bush-like plant native to the Alpine mountain belt, up to 30 cm in height and width. The leaves at the root are attached to long petioles, and the stem leaves are attached to short ones. Snow-white, blue or purple flowers of this species, single, funnel-shaped, reach 5 cm in diameter. Flowering period: June-August (up to seventy days), sometimes until the end of September. A number of garden varieties of Carpathian bellflower have been developed.

Other types and varieties of garden campanula

In addition to the above, there are also a huge number of varieties of bells. Here are some of them:

• Bluebell crowded(C. glomerata). Another name for the variety is “Freya”. A herbaceous perennial with a woody rhizome and many erect, pubescent grayish-green stems. It reaches an average height of 25-50 cm. Densely grouped small purple flowers (15-20 pieces) form a very beautiful inflorescence. Freya blooms from the end of June for about a month.
• Long-columnar bell(C. longistyla Fomin). Caucasian perennial, growing up to 75 cm in height. The stems of the variety are erect and branched, with abundant foliage. The basal leaves are shaped like a pointed egg. The inflorescence in the form of a brush or panicle is formed by several blue-purple bright flowers. Flowering occurs in July-August.

• Bell Sarmatian(C. sarmatica) - originally from the Caucasus Mountains, takes root well on alpine hills. The height of the plant is up to 40 cm, the oblong leaves are pubescent, which is why they appear gray-green. Lilac flowers are distributed almost along the entire length of the shoot. Blooms from June to August.
• Saxifrage(C. saxifraga). It is distinguished by large purple corollas with a white spot in the center, planted on low peduncles (10-15 centimeters). Early flowering: May-June.

• Campanula nettlefolia(C. trachelium). The height can vary: from 30 cm to 1 m. The leaves look like nettles, they are heavily covered with hard hairs. The flowers are large; the corolla is either almost white or blue-violet. It blooms from June and then bears fruit until October. The Bernise variety (with double lilac-blue flowers) is popular in gardening.
• Campanula pyramidal(C. pyramidalis), or “Girdle of Venus” is one of the most spectacular herbaceous plants. Tall, up to 1.5 m, with a thick fleshy stem, by mid-summer the giant begins to bloom: large corollas reaching 4.5 cm in diameter exude a pleasant aroma.

• Poskharsky's bell(C. poscharskyana). A low-growing plant (15-20 cm) with long purple flowers that bloom in June-July. It grows quickly. A well-known variety is “Stella” (dark blue flowers).
• Thyrsoid bell(C. thyrsoides L.) - mountain variety native to the Alps; reaches a height of 20-50 centimeters. The main feature is the flowers, which are unlike other types of bells: they are a thick, cylindrical spike, the color of which can vary from bright yellow to pale yellowish. This variety is often used for making bouquets.

• Chilean bluebell(Lapageria) can hardly be called a bellflower. The fact is that Lapageria belongs to the family of Philesiaceae, not bellflowers. However, the pink flowers actually resemble a bell in shape: hence the name and popularity among gardeners as an ornamental plant.
• Bell Sarastro(C. hybrid Sarastro) - a hybrid variety with a straight, pubescent stem about half a meter high. The bright purple flowers are drooping and shaped like glasses.

Bluebell: growing in the garden (video)

Garden bell: growing from seeds, timing and planting technology

A good option would be to first grow seedlings at home, and then plant it in open ground. Annual bellflower species can only be bred in this way; the rest can be bred variably.

The house should be planted in March. The seeds must be sown on a small layer of snow previously placed on top of the soil. Then the seedling containers are sent to the refrigerator for a couple of weeks in plastic bags, and after the expiration of the period they are brought out into the light.

It is necessary to plant the sprouted bells in separate containers when each sprout already has two or three full leaves, and the ideal time for planting in open ground is late May and early June (or any time when the threat of frost has passed).

For the most successful planting, you must follow several rules:

• The soil must be fertilized, loosened and drained. The exception to this rule applies only to species of rocky origin: such plants will take root well in poor soil that has been previously limed.
• Either neutral or slightly acidic soil is preferred.
• If there is no suitable site with fertile, mineral-rich soil, the following actions are recommended: sand should be added to the loam, as well as peat and some fertilizer (for example, superphosphate). Sandy soil needs humus, rotted compost and turf.
• Fresh manure and peat can provoke the development of fungal diseases, so fertilizers of this kind should be used when they have weathered.
• Almost immediately after planting the sprouts in open ground, it is recommended to treat the plants with products containing copper and metaldehyde. This will help avoid diseases, slug attacks and the appearance of “rust” on the leaves.

Features of caring for bells in open ground

Feeding bells is not a necessary condition to guarantee rapid growth of plantings. If the soil is fertile enough, you can do without it. Otherwise, you should feed the campanula with fertilizers high in phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium (for example, azofoska): 1 tablespoon of fertilizer per ten liters. However, it must be remembered that large doses can provoke the death of plants after 3-4 years, despite the lush and long flowering immediately after feeding. Sometimes it doesn’t hurt to sprinkle wood ash under the roots of plants.

Bluebells only need watering during the budding period; the rest of the time you can rely on their drought resistance. You should also ensure that the soil is loose and that weeds do not grow near the campanula.

As for the inflorescences, their beauty can be maintained by removing the flower stalks that have already faded. If it is necessary to control the growth of the crop, then when the “pods” - the fruits - ripen, they should be cut off before the pores open and the seeds end up in the soil.

Bells in the garden: choosing plants for joint planting

It’s not difficult to choose neighbors for bells: the main thing is to take into account similar conditions in which the plants will feel most comfortable. Since bells love neutral soil without excess moisture and sun (sometimes partial shade), partner crops must be selected accordingly.

For example, Carpathian campanula goes perfectly with Dalmatian geranium and sunflower. Good neighbors for the Portenschlag bell will be carnations and fescue. Partners for the crowded bellflower are alpine aster, evening primrose and parsley; however, you need to monitor the growth of this variety, since crowded campanula can drown out nearby plantings.

The healing properties of bell (video)

Growing bell flowers from seeds is an excellent solution for both the garden and the apartment, since this plant does not require special care and climatic conditions; and yet you should remember a few simple rules that will help campanula develop faster and delight the eye with flowering longer.

Bluebells are one of the most versatile flowers for the garden. They have many varieties, and winter hardiness is excellent. I consider them universal because there is no garden where a curtain of bells would not come in handy. They are unpretentious to soils and easy to care for. And with them you can create an endless number of design options for flower beds, flower beds and borders in the garden.

Planting a bluebell

As a rule, planting material is purchased during flowering. Therefore, when planting, all flowers of bells need to be trimmed. If the bells are planted on hot days, they are watered every other day and shaded.

It is better to choose a place for planting low-growing bells in the sun, otherwise the bushes will be loose and elongated. It is better to place other types of bells in partial shade.

Soil for planting bells

1. Bells are undemanding to soil composition. In my garden, I mix regular soil with coarse sand and add bone meal.
2. Any soil with the addition of fine gravel is suitable for bells - rocky soil.
3. They do not like too fertile soil; on them, plants grow an impressive mass of leaves, and then die off after the first winter.
4. Acidity is not important for bluebells. They work a little better on peat bogs.
5. They cannot tolerate stagnant water. When planting bells in areas where water stagnates, drainage is necessary.

Planting dates for bluebells

It is better to plant bells in spring, in the first half of summer or at the end of summer. It is important to have time to plant before the end of the first ten days of September.

Caring for bluebells

Bluebells are easy to care for. In my garden, I don’t feed the bells, I just weed them in a timely manner and add soil around the bush in the spring.

• On dry days they need moderate watering.
• Species such as Carpathian bell and Pozharsky bell need pruning. After flowering, the bushes are shortened by half.
• It happens that bells disappear after particularly harsh winters. To avoid this, plants need to be divided and replanted approximately every 3-4 years. Then the center of the bush will not be exposed and the plant will not freeze.
• Bluebells are best propagated by seeds. The plant has a taproot and does not tolerate transplantation very well.

Types and varieties of bells

Today there are about 300 types of bells. All of them grow in the northern hemisphere, so they are excellent for growing in the Moscow region. Most types and varieties of bells can withstand all the surprises of winter.

• There are tall bells, and there are very small ones - no higher than 10 cm.
• Perennial and biennial species are known.
• The color of the flowers ranges from snow-white, pink, soft blue to rich blue or even purple.

In short, bells can please the most demanding gardener.

However, not all varieties are suitable for growing in harsh climatic zones. The following types of bellflowers do not overwinter in my garden in the northern Moscow region:

1. Gargan bell,
2. crowded bell,
3. saxifrag bell,
4. cushion-shaped bell,
5. alpine bell.

Tall bluebells

Some tall bluebells grow up to 1.5 m tall. The tallest are varieties with simple flowers. For example, the peach-leaved bell with blue flowers and the broad-leaved Alba bell with white flowers. The tallest growth is the Campanula lactiflora.

In my garden, the most resistant variety was Cerulea with pale blue flowers. There is a variety called Alba with white inflorescences and Loddon Anna with soft pink ones.

Campanula latifolia

• Grows up to 1 m tall.
• It overwinters well and grows quickly.
• Propagates by self-sowing.
• Loves moist soils.

Looks impressive in group plantings. Interesting are its elongated flowers, white in the Alba variety and purple in the Makranta variety.

Bellflower peach

• Got its name from the similarity of the leaves to peach foliage
• The plant is distinguished by wide-open flowers that are raised upward.
• All terry varieties of the group reach a height of about 40 cm.

An interesting variety is Flore Pleno with double lilac flowers, La Belle with double pale blue inflorescences and Snow White with double white bells.

Campanula nettlefolia

• It is distinguished by small flowers, but abundant flowering.
• The plant's foliage dies off at the end of June, so you need to remember the planting location so as not to accidentally damage the bell.

Its variety “Bernice” with double dark blue flowers is interesting.

Campanula lactiflora

• The tallest of the group.
• Characterized by long-lasting (up to 1 month) flowering.
• The plant can reach 1.5 – 1.8 m.

From approximately the middle of the height of the stem at the time of budding, additional shoots with buds emerge, so that during flowering even one bell bush looks like an air cloud.

Photo: Campanula lactiflora Cerulea

Medium-sized bluebells

1. The Rubra variety is interesting. It has the darkest, almost purple, flowers.
2. An attractive variety is “Pantalons” with a dark pink color on the outer petals and a white stripe along each petal; the plant height is about half a meter.
3. Bellflower dotted and Campanula Takeshima have been popular with gardeners in recent years. They have very large flowers that “look” down. However, over time, I abandoned these species in my garden due to excessive aggressiveness.

“Aggressive” bells should be planted separately from other perennials. After a couple of years, the creeping root system will make the bells the only inhabitants in the flowerbed, crowding out the rest of the plants.

Low growing bluebells

Bluebell Carpathian

1. The most famous low bell.
2. Reaches about 20 cm in height.
3. The plants form a neat rosette, the leaves of which are not visible during flowering.

Varieties Alba and White Star have white flowers. The popular variety Isabelle is distinguished by its heavenly-toned flowers. The Yulaumeise variety has blue flowers. The purple color distinguishes the Karpatenkrone variety.

Pozharsky's bell

1. The most unpretentious of bells.
2. Withstands even snowless winters.
3. Propagated by shoots, seeds and division of the bush. The easiest way to propagate is to take cuttings from pruned shoots in the spring.

Known varieties are Frost with white flowers and Stella with large blue flowers.

Portenschlag's bell

1. Somewhat similar in inflorescences to the previous species, but the bush is more compact, without creeping shoots.
2. Presented with blue flowers.
3. Looks great on alpine slides.

Campanula Spoonfolia

1. The smallest one.
2. Possible freezing in harsh winters.

A beautiful variety with double flowers is Powder Poof, with white simple flowers Alba and with blue flowers - Miss Wilmot.

Campanula Platycodon

The incomparable Platycodons also belong to the Bellflower family, although they stand somewhat apart. This is a Japanese bell, its second name is wide bell.

• The plants are distinguished by widely spaced petals; they are located almost in a horizontal plane. Veins are clearly visible on each of the petals.
• It is interesting to observe Platycodon during the budding period: its buds are inflated, like square envelopes.
• It is better to propagate by seeds, because the presence of a single long taproot does not serve the plant well when transplanted.
• The plants are not easy to care for: they do not tolerate stagnant water and may fall out in some winters.
• There are dwarf and tall varieties up to half a meter in height, with white, pink and blue flowers.

Photo: Platycodon

Bells in garden design

Bells are such diverse and amazing flowers that you can collect them in your garden for a long time, creating an interesting collection and various compositions.

1. Bells indispensable in a natural garden, next to wildflowers or surrounded by gorgeous roses.

2. The combination turns out to be interesting. bell with various grains.

3. Campanula lactiflora can become the center of attention in the garden as a tapeworm or represent the background of a mixborder.

4. Pozharsky's bell will become indispensable near a pond, and various varieties of low-growing bells will refresh a rock garden or alpine hill.

5. Good medium height or short bells There will also be miniature conifers in the garden.

6. Bluebell Carpathian , for example, you can plant them along the border of any flower garden.

All bells have a diverse appearance and grow in central Russia and in the south of its country. Flowers tolerate heat, low temperatures and various diseases well. A description of the best varieties and brief information about the homeland of growth are given below.

In the modern world there are many bells that are grown in garden conditions and delight the gardener with their flowers. Now let's look in more detail at the varieties of this plant.

Peach leaf ( Campanula Persicifolia)

This non-perennial variety lives only 2-3 years, after which it dies. It is called Peachleaf because of its leaf blades that resemble peach leaves. The height of the bush is 100 cm. Flowering continues all summer long if drying shoots are pruned in a timely manner. Flowers have different shades:

• Blue;
• Purple-blue;
• White double flowers.

The seed pods ripen at the end of August. Prefers sunny places.

If groundwater lies close to the soil surface in the garden, then there is a need for a drainage pad made of fine gravel 10 cm high.

Field or Meadow

Field bells are found, as the name suggests, in the wild in the fields and meadows of our country. Bush is not very tall, 40 cm. The flowering of the meadow plant lasts throughout June with lilac flowers.

Perennial varieties

All varieties are perennial. And therefore, when choosing a place for them in the garden, you should take this into account.

Garden

There is no separate species of Garden, but any wild or varietal flower can grow in the garden.

Round-leaved (Campanula rotundifolia)

The plant is tall and grows to a height of 60 cm. The leaf blades die off during flowering. Blue flowers bloom in June. This type of Bluebell is considered medicinal.

Spreading (Campanula patula)

The Caucasus Mountains are considered the birthplace of this plant. This is a two-year-old plant with a herbaceous straight stem, highly branched, due to which it grows as a very spreading bush. The leaf blades are arranged spirally on the stem, have an oblong shape, pointed towards the end of the plate.

The flowers are collected in a panicle and have a lilac color and, depending on the soil and lighting, sometimes acquire a light purple tint. Each individual flower is shaped like a funnel consisting of five equal parts. Flowering begins in early June and lasts all summer. It easily propagates by self-sowing, but if there is a desire to collect seeds, then you need to catch the moment of their maturation and shake them out of the flower.

Crowded (Campanula glomerata)

The tall plant has a straight, slightly pubescent stem. The leaf blades change as they grow; young ones have the shape of a pointed heart. In an adult plant, in the second year of its life, egg-like leaf plates grow up to 7 cm long and 3 cm wide..

Most flowers are bright blue in color and have a standard bell shape.

The plant is winter-hardy and easily tolerates winters in Russia.

The plant does not tolerate seasonally prolonged rains, and as a result, it is watered only during times of prolonged drought.

Flowering lasts only one month, but if you cut flowers into bouquets, flowering continues throughout the summer.

Altai (Campanula altaika)

A perennial only 25 cm high, the leaf blades are elongated and green. Small blue bells. Flowering occurs at the end of June and lasts about a month.

Siberian (Campanula sibirika)

The plant is not tall up to 20 cm. With green leaves and lilac bells. Flowering lasts all summer and September.

Bolognese (Campanula bononiensis)

It has healing properties; the stem, up to 70 cm high, is crowned with pink bells. The leaves at the bottom are rounded; the leaves at the top are straight and narrow.. Flowering lasts throughout June.

Rapunculoides (Campanula rapunculoides)

Long stems can grow up to a meter in height. The flower arrow is long and all dotted with blue, pink and white bells. This variety blooms all summer.

Broadleaf (Campanula latifolia)

This tall plant grows up to 130 cm and has tight stems. The lower leaf plates have a rounded shape with small teeth along the edge of the plate. The upper leaves are elongated with a pointed end. Flowers grow from the axils of the upper leaves and are up to 4 cm long.. The flower brush itself has a height of 20 cm. The flowering of the species lasts two months, starting in early July. Depending on the variety, the flowers are:

• Violet;
• Lilac.

Loves the lacy shade of trees and does not tolerate stagnant moisture.

Nettle leaf (Campanula trachelium)

This perennial has a bush height of 55 cm. The leaf blades are similar to nettle leaves, which is why it got its name. Its flowers come in both double and simple forms.. Flowering occurs all summer. It reproduces poorly when dividing the mother bush and has strong frost-resistant qualities.

It reproduces almost exclusively by seed.

Rough-haired Deer (Campanula cervicaria)

It is also popularly called St. John's wort. The plant grows to a height of one meter and has stiff stems. The foliage is gray-green, the lower leaf blades are more rounded than the upper ones. It blooms with small blue bells in May and June.

Growing

This plant can easily be grown on Moorish lawns and garden beds, as it does not cause any trouble in caring for itself.

Planting in open ground

When choosing places in the open ground, you need to choose a place where there will be a lacy shadow of a tree and there is no stagnation of water. Seedlings are planted in early May or June when the threat of return of frost has passed.. There should be plenty of space since bluebell bushes usually grow well.

Bluebell grows well on eastern slopes.

If there is poor soil in the area, add a handful of humus to each hole. A seedling is placed in the center of the hole and earth is poured around it and compacted with hands.

After planting, water the seedlings well.

Care

To prolong the flowering of bluebells, promptly remove faded flowers.

Any variety of bells responds poorly to increased watering, as this can lead to rotting of the plant's root system. The lighting can be quite sunny, but bells also tolerate light partial shade from trees..

Fertilize the plant annually in April with mullein infusion or any nitrogen fertilizer.

Apply all fertilizing to moist soil.

Reproduction

The easiest way to propagate bells of any variety is using seeds.

Seed propagation in spring

In early March, seeds are planted in containers with bottom drainage holes to drain water. Soil is purchased for seedlings or made up yourself, taking in equal proportions:

• Sod land;
• Leaf soil;
• Peat;
• Sand.

The seeds are watered and covered with glass or a transparent bag to improve seed germination. When most of the seeds show their noses from the ground, the cover is removed, placed in a brighter place, but without direct sunlight, so that the tender seedlings do not burn. Further care consists of timely watering and rotating the seedlings relative to the sun.

Maintain good lighting and moderate humidity, otherwise the blackleg disease may appear.

Seed propagation in open ground

Seeds are sown in early November or spring in May in previously prepared soil. There is no need to soak the seeds; they are mixed with sand and poured evenly onto the ground. The first shoots appear after 15 days. Further care is carried out with the help of watering and timely weeding.

If the weather is cold in the spring in May, the bellflower crops are covered with any shelter.

Dividing the bush

This breeding is carried out at the end of May or at the beginning of September, when the intense heat subsides. The old mother bush is dug up and divided with the tip of a shovel so that each part contains growing points and a root system. Then they are planted in prepared holes with the addition of nitrogen fertilizer and well watered. After all the manipulations, the soil around the seedling is compacted by hand and mulched with straw.

Carry out the entire procedure of dividing the bush quickly so that the fibrous root system of the plant does not dry out.

Homeland and where it grows now

The homeland is considered to be areas with a temperate climate. At the moment he can be found:

• In Siberia;
• In the Caucasus;
• In Asia;
• In Ukraine.

Prefers to grow on rocky surfaces and mountain slopes. Digitalis

Growing in the garden and in natural conditions

In the garden Bluebell of any variety receives more care than the wild variety, and therefore its flowers can be larger and brighter when grown in garden conditions. Also, the flowering time of the Garden Bluebell is one month longer.

History and cultural use

This plant began to be cultivated in gardening in the 16th century. At first, wild species were planted in the garden, but eventually, botanists developed plants that were more decorative than their wild relatives.

At the moment, it is planted very often, decorating various landscape compositions with it. Blooming bells look very cute, but this is not the only advantage of flowers. It looks very beautiful planted as part of the Moorish lawn.

The bell amazes with its large number of varieties with which you can decorate your garden. And at the same time, it requires absolutely no complicated care.

The bell flower blooms attractively and for a long time, thanks to which it has become widespread in garden cultivation. Despite their rather simple structure, any bell-like flowers are actively used in landscape decoration.

Bellflower: what the flower looks like and its botanical description

The Latin name is Campanula. Belongs to the genus of herbaceous plants and the family Campanulaceae from the dicotyledonous class. Under natural conditions it grows in the Caucasus and Siberia, Asia and Europe. Information on the habitat is very extensive, as is the distribution area.

Field and meadow species are distributed almost everywhere in our country. The plant also inhabits alpine, desert and rocky areas, as well as mountain belts. Perennial herbs have entire alternate leaves, as well as a bell-shaped blue or purple corolla. Some varieties bloom producing purple or white flowers. The seeds are formed in a box-shaped fruit.

Description of popular types of bells (perennial garden campanula)

In total, today there are about four hundred different species, which may differ slightly in their main external characteristics. However, the most popular indoor and garden crops are not so numerous.

The ampelous culture has thin shoots, rounded and finely toothed leaves. The base of the shoot is heart-shaped. Flowers of light blue color are formed in spring or summer.

Photo gallery

Bellflower peach

Campanula persicifolia is a herbaceous perennial with a spindle-shaped, oblique, fibrous root and an erect, simple, sparsely branched, glabrous, slightly ribbed stem part. The foliage is alternate, narrow, linear or lanceolate, dark green and shiny. Blue, blue-violet or light purple flowers are located on short stalks and collected in a one-sided apical inflorescence. The period of mass flowering occurs in mid-summer.

A herbaceous plant no more than 25-30 cm high, with thin and hanging shoots. Most often it is grown as an ampel crop in pots. The foliage is green, round in shape, slightly carved at the edges, located on long cuttings. The flowers are numerous, up to 40 mm in diameter, white and blue.

Campanula latifolia

Campanula latifolia is a herbaceous crop up to 1.2 in height with a powerful and well-developed rhizome and spindle-shaped thickened lateral roots. The stem part is bare, cylindrical, with oblong-ovate foliage, characterized by sparse and soft, bilateral pubescence. Racemose inflorescences are represented by large, purple flowers. After flowering, capsule fruits with ovoid light brown seeds are formed.

The perennial is distinguished by a thin stem part no more than 25-30 cm high. The stem part is without foliage. The shoots are bush-shaped, up to 30 cm in diameter. The foliage is ovoid. The flowers are funnel-shaped, medium-sized, up to 50 mm in diameter, blue, purple or white. Flowering is long and abundant.

Decorative perennial with straight and well-leafed, branched stems up to one and a half meters high. It has a taproot system. The upper foliage is sessile, ovate-oblong, double-toothed. The lower leaves are located on short petioles. Large racemose inflorescences are represented by fragrant milky-white flowers, up to 40 mm in diameter.

Portenschlag's bell is one of the most popular species among amateur gardeners, which does not require special care and is distinguished by its high decorative properties. A very common perennial crop, it has heart-shaped foliage with characteristic jagged edges. It blooms for a long time, from May to September.

Bell dotted

Campanula punstata is a perennial crop with a rather thin and fibrous rhizome. The stem part is erect, slightly more than half a meter high, pubescent, simple, paniculate-branched in the upper part, rough and cylindrical. The foliage is hairy, paler at the bottom. The leaves are numerous.

The basal ovoid foliage is characterized by the presence of red hairy petioles. Stem foliage with short petioles or sessile type, ovate in shape. The flowers are large in size, drooping, located on long stalks, with pubescence. Flowering is abundant and occurs in mid-summer.

Double bell is a very widespread variety of decorative crop in home gardening. It is a variety of Capmanula equifolia. The hybrid form was obtained by crossing the Carpathian species (C.carpatica) with the species of spoonwort (C.cochlearifolia). The bush-like plant is strewn with double flowers of different colors. The shades of the petals can vary from white to purple. The stem part is thin and flexible, with numerous carved leaves.

Other varieties

There are others, less common, but no less attractive varieties of decorative bells:

• hybrid form "Sarastro" with a bush height of 40-60 cm and a width of no more than 30-45 cm. A fairly compact crop is distinguished by large, numerous flowers of bright purple color. There is no need to tie up strong flower stalks;
• the pyramidal species is known to many under the name "Venus Belt". This perennial plant, up to one and a half meters high, has a smooth and hairless stem part with green foliage and numerous flowers;
• variety "Bernise" It is distinguished by strongly double flowers with an interesting and quite intense color. The height and width of the bush does not exceed half a meter. The flowers are a rich lilac color with petals that very effectively bend on the outside, towards the stem. The flower stalks are durable, and the carved dark green leaves have a slightly rough surface;

Bells: varieties (video)

• variety "Pozharsky"– the plant is very unpretentious, blooms profusely and for a long time, and is relatively tall. The above-ground part is represented by long shoots. The flowers are numerous, star-shaped;
• variety "Thyrsoid" or "Spike" often used in bouquets and is characterized by an erect, powerful, simple, grooved, reddish, densely and short bristly-hairy stem. The basal foliage gathers into a dense and lying rosette. The stem leaves are very closely spaced, numerous, linear-lanceolate, pointed and entire. The flowers are numerous, sessile, collected in dense, cylindrical or pyramidal-shaped spikes no more than a quarter of a meter high;
• variety "Pantaloons" refers to perennial plants with an above-ground part no more than half a meter high. A distinctive feature is represented by double flowers of quite large sizes;

• Caucasian variety "Sarmatian" little-known, but very highly decorative. Grows up to 0.4 m or a little more. Numerous attractive flowers have a very delicate honey scent;
• bell(C.saxifrāga) is a compact herbaceous plant with a height of the aboveground part of no more than 50 mm, slightly pubescent, serrated leaves and bell-shaped flowers of a dark bluish-violet hue;
• variety "Long-columnar"– the plant has an average height, no more than 30 cm in height. The leaves are very attractive heart-shaped. The flowers form a long and narrow, spike-shaped raceme, of a dense bluish-purple or deep blue color. Flowering occurs from May to the end of June. The culture is widely used in the design of rocky hills, and is also planted on borders and used for cutting to make miniature bouquets.

Features of growing bells (video)

Also very well known to flower growers "Chilean bell" or Lapageria with axillary single flowers and wire-like, bluish-green, highly branched branches up to ten meters high. The crowded bell or Freya plant also looks very beautiful.

Growing bells from seeds: technology and timing

The seed material of bells does not need to provide mandatory preliminary pre-sowing preparation. Seeds can be sown directly in flower beds in open ground around May or October. However, to obtain abundant and lush flowering in the year of sowing, it is recommended to grow the decorative perennial crop using the standard seedling method. For this purpose, the seeds are sown in March in planting containers filled with loose and nutritious, permeable soil mixture.

The best nutritious planting substrate based on humus and turf soil, as well as coarse-grained clean sand, mixed in a ratio of 3:6:1, has proven itself. The seed material is lightly pressed against the surface of well-moistened soil. Crops must be covered with transparent plastic film to create a greenhouse effect. Under temperature conditions of 18-20ºC and regular spraying, mass shoots appear in about a couple of weeks.

After the emergence of mass shoots, remove the film cover and place the container with seedling material in a bright and warm place, which must be protected from direct sunlight. Standard care for flower seedlings consists of regular watering with settled water at room temperature, as well as shallow loosening of the soil.

After the first true leaves appear, Seedlings of decorative crops need to be picked into separate seedling pots with a diameter of 10-12 cm. About a couple of weeks after diving, it is recommended to feed the flower seedlings with a special solution based on complex fertilizer.

Planting of seedlings in a permanent place is carried out in the last ten days of May or at the very beginning of summer. A significant part of the varieties belongs to the category of very light-loving ornamental perennials, Therefore, for planting you need to choose areas well lit by sunlight. The composition of the soil suitable for growing crops may also vary depending on the species and varietal characteristics.

Pre-planting preparation for heavy soils involves the addition of sand and humus, and for areas depleted of nutrients it is necessary to apply turf soil and basic fertilizers. It is strictly forbidden to introduce fresh manure and large amounts of peat during the digging process., since in this case the risk of damage to the ornamental perennial by fungal infections significantly increases.

Caring for a beautifully flowering plant is not difficult even for novice amateur gardeners. It is enough to systematically carry out irrigation measures, regularly loosen the soil and remove weeds, and also provide double fertilizing with basic complex fertilizers.

How to care for bluebells (video)

Garden bell is a favorite flowering plant not only for children, but also for many adults. This very unpretentious and decorative crop is perfect not only for decorating the local area, but has also been grown with great success in indoor floriculture for many years.