Grow and thrive without anyone having to worry about it? As a modern perennial, the purple bell cannot do without a dose of care. But what really matters?
How do you properly care for the purple bell?
To optimally care for the purple bell, fertilize it twice a year, water regularly but moderately, pay attention to diseases such as root rot, ensure adequate overwintering and cut back the plant after flowering and in spring.
How should you fertilize the purple bell?
The purple bell doesn't need much fertilizer compared to other perennials. Note the following points:
- Fertilizing twice a year is enough for outdoor plants
- fertilize for the first time in spring
- fertilize for the second time in late summer
- do not fertilize more often
- suitable fertilizers: compost, bark mulch, horn shavings (€32.00 on Amazon)
- Use long-term fertilizer or liquid fertilizer when growing in containers
What is important to consider when watering?
Since the purple bell does not tolerate drought, it should be watered when there is no rain. It is best to water it regularly but moderately. The soil should remain moist and not dry out. As soon as the top layer of soil has dried out, you should water purple bells in the pot. Make sure that there is no accumulation of moisture!
Which illnesses can make his life difficult?
If you water the purple bell too much and often, you increase the risk of root rot. This perennial is extremely susceptible to this. As soon as the soil smells musty, this is a clear alarm signal for root rot.
Does this plant need overwintering?
The purple bell is extremely hardy. Its temperature minimum is -20 °C. But in pots it should be placed against the house wall from 0 °C and covered with fleece. As a precaution, outdoor plants should be covered with brushwood in rough locations.
What should you think about when cutting?
After its flowering period (ends around August), the purple bell is cut back. Cut the old stems back close to the ground!
Pruning should also be done in spring. Pruning before budding ensures bushy growth. The month of February is ideal for this. The shoots are cut down to 10 cm above the ground. You should also take the opportunity to take away the dried leaves.
Tip
Check your purple bell regularly for pest infestation! It is often attacked by black weevils and, when grown in containers, by spider mites.
