Nettle-leaved bellflower
Campanula trachelium · Campanulaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant nettle-leaved bellflower: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Flowering
- July to September
- Adult size
- 60 to 100 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Temperate Europe
- Soil type
- Well-drained, rich in organic matter
Care
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist during growth and flowering, particularly during dry periods. Reduce watering in autumn after flowering finishes. Avoid water pooling around the roots, which could promote rot.
Light Exposure
Plant the bellflower in partial shade or moderate sunlight. It tolerates semi-shaded areas well, particularly in warm regions where light shade is beneficial. Avoid overly intense southern exposure in Mediterranean climates.
Soil Preparation
Enrich the soil with well-decomposed compost or potting soil before planting. Ensure good drainage by loosening the earth deeply. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is ideal for this species.
Pruning and Cutting
Pinch young stems in spring to promote bushier, more branched growth. Remove spent flowers regularly to extend blooming. In autumn, cut back dry stems to ground level after the first frosts.
Feeding
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring when vegetation starts growing. A moderately dosed fertilizer works well: avoid excess nitrogen, which would encourage foliage at the expense of flowers. Light feeding in early summer supports flowering.
Diseases and Pests
Watch for powdery mildew in cases of stagnant humidity or poor air circulation. Slugs and snails enjoy tender foliage in spring. Good air circulation and removal of debris reduce health risks.
Did you know?
The bellflower owes its common name to the French word "gantelet" because its flowers resemble small fingers of gloves. In the Middle Ages, this plant was traditionally used in folk herbal medicine for gargles, although its actual properties remain modest.
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.