Italian bellflower is an evergreen perennial herb with white, blue, or lavender colored five-petaled flowers. It flourishes in well-drained sand or loam under partial shade to full sun. It is a great decorative plant when grown in hanging baskets and placed in patios or cottage gardens. This plant is pollinated by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
I. Appearance and Characteristics
Campanula isophylla is a species of plant. The common names of the species include Italian bellflower, star of Bethlehem, falling stars and trailing campanula.
The species is a trailing perennial. The flowers are star-shaped and 3.5 centimeters across. The flowers are either blue, white, or mauve. The flowers appear in late summer to autumn. The leaves are heart shaped, toothed, and light green. The species’ height is 6 to 8 inches and its width is 12 inches. The green stems tumble down the sides of pots. Campanula fragilis resembles the species.
The species has been grown for generations. Author John Traherne Moggridge said in 1874 in one of his books that he proved that the seeds germinate freely and went on to say that they are so small that they might be transported by the wind alone, or adhere, without causing inconvenience, to the feet of small birds. A 1907 edition of Gardening Illustrated said that the blue flowers are rarer than the white flowers.
The species is sometimes mislabelled as Campanula mollis in gardens. The difference between Campanula mollis and this species is the shape of the leaves. Volume 6 of The American journal of horticulture and florist’s companion said that the flowers are of a most lovely blue color and last a considerable long time.
When potted, plants grow well in airy temperate conditions. Unlike most plants, the species is harmed by direct sunlight. It can only tolerate frost on the mountains of northern Italy, but pot-grown plants cannot. The authors Shane Smith and Marjorie C. Leggitt said that the species is best suited for a hanging basket.
This plant has received the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.
II. How to Grow and Care
Sunlight
Italian bellflower thrives in conditions where it can receive full sun exposure to promote robust growth and abundant flowering. While it can tolerate partial sun, insufficient light may lead to legginess, with the plant stretching for light and potentially compromising its overall health and bloom production. Adapting to varying light levels, Italian bellflower exhibits resilience, but to ensure vigorous growth and the beautiful display of its characteristic bell-shaped flowers, a position that provides ample light is most favorable. For optimal indoor cultivation, placement near south-facing windows is ideal, while outdoor planting should seek unobstructed sunlight.
Temperature
Native to northern temperate regions, the italian bellflower is suited to USDA hardiness zones 4-8. The plant thrives in temperatures around 16 to 18 ℃, and some varieties will survive cold temperatures down to -10 ℃. Although they prefer a cool summer, the italian bellflower can survive in temperatures up to 26 ℃, as long as they are regularly watered. If the temperature exceeds this, then the flowers will die, and the plant may not bloom again that year.
The italian bellflower is a flowering plant that adds a whimsical feel to many gardens across the world. Depending on the climate, it will generally bloom from the beginning of summer through to the first frost. While they are reasonably easy to care for, you will need to regularly check that they have enough water in order to prevent the delicate flowers from wilting.
Watering
Thriving in its native humid Mediterranean cliffs, Italian bellflower has adapted to environments with consistent moisture. This species exhibits a preference for regular hydration without being waterlogged, maintaining a delicate balance between dampness and drainage. Watering should be carried out every week to align with its natural rhythm. As an evergreen plant, Italian bellflower benefits from the stable indoor conditions where humidity can be more easily regulated, ensuring year-round vibrancy.
Soil
Italian bellflower requires well-draining soil to prevent water-logging. For a suitable soil mix, blend equal parts potting mix and perlite or sand to improve aeration. In the absence of perlite, use coarse grit or finely chopped bark. Maximize drainage by adding a layer of gravel at the container’s base. Incorporate slow-release fertilizers annually to bolster growth. This custom mix ensures a healthy environment for Italian bellflower’s roots, aiding in its overall vitality.
Fertilizing
For healthy growth and vibrant blooms, Italian bellflower thrives with balanced nutrition fertilizers during growing season, shifting to high phosphorus types to enhance flowering. Optimal fertilization involves applying at half strength bi-weekly in spring and summer, reducing to monthly in fall. Use caution to avoid root burn by following recommended quantities. Seasonal adjustments in fertilization are key for italian bellflower’s vitality: less in dormant winter, more in active growth phases. Practical tip: water italian bellflower prior to fertilizing to aid absorption and prevent damage.
Pruning
The typical italian bellflower will usually grow up to 1 m and reach an ultimate spread of 1 m. They are perennial, which means that they will bloom once a year. Because of this, they do not necessarily need pruning, unless you are trying to maintain a certain shape. The italian bellflower can take up to 5 years to reach its ultimate height, which is another reason why you may not need to prune your plant for quite a few years.
If you choose to prune for shape and to encourage growth, you should do this at the end of spring, and definitely before the beginning of fall. While pruning, remove any shoots that appear weak or are growing in the wrong direction. This will encourage the plant’s energy to be diverted towards the other shoots instead. During the flowering season, some choose to remove wilted flowers, as this can prolong the flowering phase. This can be done by ‘plucking’ off the dead flowers. Deadheading flowers will also prevent this plant from self-seeding.
Propagation
Italian bellflower thrives when propagated through cuttings—a straightforward and effective method. Choose healthy shoots and snip off sections with a sharp, clean tool to prevent disease. Place them in a moist, well-draining medium, ensuring adequate humidity and indirect light for root development. Rooting hormone can enhance success rates, although it’s not essential. With attentive care, cuttings typically establish well, leading to robust growth.
Transplanting
The golden window for transplanting italian bellflower is during the warming season-S4, when the plant can effectively acclimate to a new spot and grow robustly. Ensure to choose a sunny or semi-shaded place for transplanting. Gently tap the pot to ease italian bellflower out when necessary.
Repotting
The italian bellflower thrives best when repotted every 2-3 years, preferring spring to resume active growth. For this spreading plant, choose a medium-wide pot to accommodate its form. Timely repotting in slightly larger containers ensures ample space for root development. After repotting, maintain consistent moisture and avoid direct sunlight to promote recovery. A well-drained substrate is crucial for the health of Italian bellflower.
III. Uses and Benefits
Italian bellflower is used in garden flowerbeds, borders, and planter boxes because of its attractive successions of flowers from midsummer to fall. It is also used in pollinator gardens, to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. If the thought of attracting insects is unappealing, however, it can also be grown indoors as a houseplant.
