It had been a few days since we had brought to the Agrómatica blog a plant with a large flowering (in number) and with characteristics that make it ideal for rockery gardens, even in mountain climates.
With a prolonged flowering during the summer, we will have a great color in our garden or pot even with Campanula portenschlagiana.
Some characteristics that make the Campanula portenschlagiana a very good option
We must first describe it. It is a plant that can spread and grows low (about 20 cm). Great features is that it is perennial. Its bright green leaves keep covering the site all year round.
It is a great advantage to not stop having a green carpet. It can be used successfully by upholstering walls, abutments or rockery gardens as upholstery.
Actually one of the common names refers to this type of location. It is known as the bell of the walls and also has a very consistent synonymy of the scientific name, Campanula muralis.
Although the fact of being perennial and upholstery is not without importance, the true ornamental value of this plant lies in its flowering, for several reasons.
First of all it is very durable. It begins in spring (more towards the end) and remains flowery until the end of summer because it can re-bloom a couple of times in this period. Its abundant lilac-purple flowers dress and almost cover the entire vegetative part.
This abundant flowering is due to the fact that the plant has self-pollinating ability and does not require external pollinators. Even so, it also uses various insects to pollinate itself so if you think of planting Campanula portenschlagiana you will be helping to maintain the pollinators.
In the following images you can see its excessive flowering and its covering power.
It is of moderate growth and that may or may not be a disadvantage. At first yes because it will cost you to reach its maximum density in 3 to 5 years.
Once this border is exceeded by more than one, growth not so fast will seem an advantage so as not to have to continuously control its expansion as it happens with other upholstery. It does not require much control and practically zero pruning.
Growing conditions of Campanula portenschlagiana
Temperature and sun exposure
The truth is that it is a resistant plant. Perennials tend to be because their vegetative parts must withstand cold winters. This one in particular can withstand up to -10ºC approximately without being damaged by what makes it ideal for mountain areas, not very cold but it is already a very considerable resistance to cold.
As for sun exposure, it grows very well in semi-shadow conditions although he is not going to complain to full sun (considering the cool weather). In full sun in very hot, dry areas, you will hardly be able to cope without substantial “rations” of water.
Soil and irrigation
The soil must be fine drained and moist. Drainage is very important so as not to generate root asphyxia. The balance must be found between drainage and soil with constant moderate humidity, without allowing it to dry out completely (in the root zone, not on the surface).
Although it can tolerate nutrient-poor soils, if we want exemplary growth and rapid density of vegetation and flowering, we must nurture the soil.
Dose of compost once or twice a year are a good way to maintain good fertility. PH is not a problem Since within a normal soil, it tolerates both slightly acidic, neutral and basic soils without major problem.
Latest details on Campanula portenschlagiana
- It can be propagated by seeds although the best way is to do it by division of bushes in spring.
- It is not attacked by pests very often but in humid environments it can be attacked by slugs and snails in addition to typical mushrooms such as mildew for example.
