Campanula erinus
Campanula erinus · Campanulaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant campanula erinus: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Campanulaceae
- Form
- Annual or biennial herbaceous plant
- Flowering
- June to September
- Adult size
- 15 to 30 cm tall, compact and branching habit
- Foliage
- Deciduous, small, lanceolate and pubescent
- Hardiness
- Not very hardy, prefers temperate to mild climates
- Origin
- Mediterranean region (Corsica, southern Italy)
- Growth
- Fast and bushy
Care
Light exposure
Campanula erinus appreciates full sun or light partial shade for generous flowering. In very hot regions, afternoon shade exposure extends the blooming period. Avoid dense shade which would slow growth.
Soil and drainage
Light, well-drained and rather dry soil suits this alpine bellflower perfectly. It tolerates poor and even stony soils. Excess winter moisture is more damaging than summer drought.
Watering
Water moderately during growth and flowering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering considerably in winter, especially in cold climates. An established plant tolerates dry periods.
Fertilizer
A diluted balanced fertilizer application in spring is sufficient for this undemanding plant. Avoid excess nitrogen which would promote foliage at the expense of flowers. Light compost at planting is generally enough.
Pruning and maintenance
Regularly remove spent flowers to extend blooming. Light pruning in late winter or spring maintains a compact and bushy habit. This plant requires no major pruning.
Diseases and pests
Campanula erinus is generally robust. Excessive moisture can encourage powdery mildew or root rot; ensure good drainage. Occasionally watch for spider mites in very dry and hot conditions.
Did you know?
Campanula erinus, nicknamed the 'Erinus Bellflower', is a small marvel of Mediterranean cliffs, particularly Corsican rocks. Once used in traditional herbal medicine for its supposed tonic properties, it remains mostly appreciated by alpine gardeners for its delicate little bell flowers that bloom abundantly from a single seed.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Peach-leaved bellflowerCampanula persicifolia
- Clustered bellflowerCampanula glomerata
- Trailing bellflowerCampanula poscharskyana
- Dalmatian bellflowerCampanula portenschlagiana
- PānakenakeLobelia angulata
- Carpathian bellflowerCampanula carpatica
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.