Venus' looking-glass
Legousia speculum-veneris · Campanulaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant venus' looking-glass: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Common name
- Venus's Looking Glass
- Family
- Campanulaceae
- Type
- Annual herbaceous plant
- Flowering
- May to July
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm in height
- Foliage
- Deciduous (disappears in winter)
- Hardiness
- Not very hardy, frost-sensitive
- Origin
- Mediterranean region
Care
Light and exposure
Venus's Looking Glass appreciates sunny to partially shaded locations. Plant it in full sun to encourage abundant and generous flowering. A south or west-facing exposure suits this plant perfectly, as it dislikes dense shade.
Soil and substrate
Prefer well-draining, light and rather poor soil. This plant tolerates chalky soils and dislikes waterlogged conditions. You can enrich the soil slightly before planting, but overly fertile substrate promotes foliage at the expense of flowers.
Watering
Water moderately and regularly during the growing period, without allowing water to stagnate at the base. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings. Once established, the plant tolerates some dryness, especially if well-rooted.
Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer application at the start of the season is generally sufficient. Avoid excess nitrogen, which promotes overly dense foliage. A light formulation once or twice before flowering optimizes results.
Pruning and maintenance
No pruning is necessary. You can pinch young plants to encourage a bushier habit and better branching. Remove spent flowers to prolong flowering and stimulate the production of new blooms.
Pests and diseases
This plant is generally robust. Excessive moisture is the main concern, as it can promote root rot or fungal diseases. Good air circulation through the foliage and avoiding overhead watering reduce risks. Not very susceptible to common pests.
Did you know?
Venus's Looking Glass owes its romantic name to the lower petals, which are larger and distinct, forming a pattern reminiscent of a small oval mirror. This delicate flower long fascinated botanists and botanical painters of the sixteenth century for the intricacy of its structure. Once cultivated in Mediterranean cottage gardens, it remains a charming and easily accessible countryside plant.
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
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- 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.