Bluebells are very popular because of their lush, delicate flowers and can be cultivated in the garden as well as on terraces and balconies and even as houseplants. Depending on the species, the perennials reach very different heights. The mostly blue, violet or white flowering Campanula, as the bellflowers are also called in botanical terminology, are easy to care for.
How do I properly care for a bluebell?
Bluebells require moderate watering, organic fertilizer such as compost and nettle manure, and occasional pruning after flowering. Propagation is by seed or division, and they can be cultivated both in the garden and in pots.
How often do you have to water the bluebell?
Bluebells should be watered moderately, especially in sunny locations and in dry conditions. However, it is important not to overdo it with watering, because the plants are very sensitive to waterlogging.
Do you have to fertilize the bellflower regularly? If so, with what?
Bluebells are grateful for regular fertilization with organic fertilizers, nothing more is necessary. The best solution is ripe compost (€41.00 on Amazon), which is used for mulching in spring, as well as some nettle manure every two weeks together with the irrigation water.
Can I cut the bluebell?
Basically, annual pruning is not necessary, only the dead plant parts and withered flowers should be removed. However, to stimulate growth and flowering, the bellflower can also be cut back to a hand's width.
When is the best time for a cut?
The best time for pruning is after flowering, i.e. in autumn. Early spring, shortly before budding, is best for pruning.
How is the bellflower propagated?
Bluebells are propagated either by seeds or by division. However, when growing seeds, you need to know exactly what species they are. Some Campanula species are dark germinators and others are light germinators. Many seeds also germinate best if they are initially stored in the refrigerator for a few weeks.
When is the best time to sow bellflower seeds?
Bluebells can be sown from mid-March to early April, although it is better to avoid night frosts and an overly sunny location. The substrate with the seeds must be kept evenly moist.
Can bluebells be easily grown in a pot?
Bluebells are very easy to cultivate in pots, boxes or hanging baskets.
What diseases should you watch out for in the bellflower?
If watering is incorrect or the humidity is too high, bluebells are quite susceptible to leaf spot disease or infestation with the mosaic virus. Gray mold is also quite common. As a rule, it should be enough to cut off affected parts of the plant and reduce the moisture.
Do bluebells need to be supported?
Some tall-growing types of bluebells (e.g. St. Mary's bluebells) need support during the flowering period. Of course not ground-covering bellflower species.
How are bluebells overwintered?
Bluebells planted in the garden can remain there and are only covered with spruce or fir branches. Bellflowers in pots, on the other hand, should overwinter frost-free, cool and as dark as possible.
Tips & Tricks
You can also leave bellflowers that are not too hardy in the garden, as they often sow themselves or sprout again from the overwintering rhizomes.
