Growing Campanula.

Latest Update 8th May 2016.
 
Campanula.

• An evergreen perennial, this plant stops growing after flowering in late spring and resumes strong growth in autumn.
• In winter and spring it flowers profusely carrying lots of small blue/mauve bell shaped flowers.
• The campanula variety I grow looks great inhabiting the crevices in a rockery, but looks just as good as a ground cover in a raised garden bed.
• It is extremely hardy and grows well in full sun, however it also grows well in shade.
• I grow some of mine under a large apricot tree where it is protected from intense summer sun, but gets good light in winter.
• I prune the plant back by half after flowering to promote new growth in autumn.

Details.

• Binomial Name:                                   Campanula Latifolia.
• Family:                                               Campanulaceae
• Garden bed type:                                 Drip line irrigated.
• Recommended soil pH:                        6.5 - 7.5.
• Plant Spacings (centres):                     500mm.
• Climate:                                              Warm Temperate.
• Geography:                                         Southern Hemisphere.

Growing Conditions:

• It likes full sun in winter, but prefers protection against hot sun in a warm temperate climate.
• It is very hardy and requires very little attention.
• It survives well in poor soil, but benefit from a feed of homemade compost once a year, and well drained moist soil.
• Always minimise soil disturbances to maintain a natural soil structure.

Soil Preparation.

• Prepare a new bed in spring by removing old mulch, fallen leaves and other decaying organic material and disposing of them in the compost heap. I don't dig the soil.
• Apply a 60mm thick top dressing of home made compost, and cover with fresh straw mulch.
• Leave for 4 weeks so worm and microbe activity can build up in the soil. Remove the mulch before planting your new plant in Spring.

Propagation.

• Propagate campanulas by taking root cuttings from new growth in Autumn.
• Plant the cuttings directly into prepared ground and water in with dilute seaweed extract (to suppliers recommendation).

Growing Instructions

• Apply a foliar spray of activated aerated compost tea every month when the edible plants are sprayed.
• In early autumn clear the ground of waste organic material and spent straw mulch beneath the plant and dispose of it in the compost heap.
• Trim the foliage back hard to expose new growth and feed the soil surrounding the plant by applying a dressing of homemade compost (about 60mm) covered with fresh straw mulch.

Organic Pest Control.

• General.
• I have not been aware of any pest problems with my campanulas. However sensible preventive measures like regularly spraying with aerated compost tea will boost their natural defences.
• Similarly, proper soil preparation including annual applications of home made compost boosts the community of beneficial microbes and defends roots against plant pathogens.