Creeping bellflower - Campanula rapunculoides (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Creeping bellflower

Also known as: Garden bluebell, The evil twin

Creeping bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides) is a perennial plant native to Europe and Siberia. Creeping bellflower grows in the wild in meadows, grassy areas, and forests and is considered an invasive species in Canada.

Scientific classification

Species

Creeping bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides)

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Late spring, Summer, Early fall

Bloom Time

Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall

Harvest Time

30 cm to 1.2 m

Plant Height

Purple, Blue

Flower Color

Green, Red, Brown

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Creeping bellflower

Distribution of Creeping bellflower

Distribution Map

The creeping bellflower is native from Europe to temperate Central Asia, but it's been widely introduced to North America, South America, East Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. It naturally occurs in woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed areas. In North America, the creeping bellflower has escaped cultivation and became an invasive weed that vigorously spreads across disturbed areas, woodlands, prairies, and oak savannas.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Fields, Woods

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Creeping bellflower has been used as a garden ornamental for its attractive flowers. This plant has a weedy, invasive nature and is not recommended to grow in gardens. It is known to choke out surrounding plant life and take over gardens.

Symbolism

Unwavering love, gratitude, humility, attractiveness

Interesting Facts

Creeping bellflower is native to Europe, but became highly invasive when introduced into the United States. A single plant can produce 15,000 seeds, and it can also reproduce through its thick taproot, making this plant difficult to eradicate once it gets established.

Name Story

Creeping bellflower: The genus name campanula holds the meaning of a small bell which is referring to the bell-shape of the flower. It reproduces through underground stems and it spreads by creeping through underground soil. Therefore, it is called a creeping bellflower.

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Care Guide for Creeping bellflower

Every week

Water

Partial sun

Sunlight

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Creeping bellflower thrives in moist, humid conditions, requiring consistent weekly watering. As an herbaceous perennial, it benefits from natural rainfall outdoors, aligning with its need for steady hydration. Its growth cycle is adapted to seasonal precipitation, reinforcing its resilience in temperate gardens.

Fertilize: For optimal growth, creeping bellflower benefits from a 10-10-10 fertilizer applied every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Adjust frequency in late summer to prep for dormancy. Use slow-release formulas, water thoroughly post-application, and avoid over-fertilization to prevent root burn.

Pruning: Creeping bellflower is a resilient perennial with blue-violet bell-shaped flowers, thriving with regular pruning. Optimal timing is early to late spring, post-frost. Remove dead stems to promote health and aesthetic appeal, while cutting spent flowers controls spread and encourages vigorous blooming.

Propagation: Creeping bellflower, a perennial native to Europe with vibrant purple flowers, thrives in gardens and propagates well from cuttings. Use healthy, vigorous non-flowering stems in a well-draining soil mix, maintaining moisture without waterlogging, and provide indirect light until roots develop.

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