Adriatic bellflower Campanula garganica 'Dickson's Gold'

Water

The Adriatic bellflower should be watered deeply enough to saturate the root zone, approximately once a week during active growing seasons of spring and summer. In the absence of rainfall, you can provide about one gallon of water per square foot every seven days. During the cooler months of fall and winter, reduce the watering frequency to every other week, or whenever the top inch of the soil feels dry, since the plant’s water requirements decrease as growth slows down. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure the plant is in well-draining soil and the excess water can escape. Always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid soggy conditions.

Light

Adriatic bellflower thrives in full to partial sunlight. The ideal spot for this plant is where it can receive at least four to six hours of sunlight daily. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade may impair flowering and weaken the plant. A location with morning sun and afternoon shade can help protect the plant from the harsh midday sun during very hot days.

Temperature

Adriatic bellflower does well in a range of temperature conditions, tolerating a minimum of about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but it prefers cooler conditions and can start to suffer if temperatures rise above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat can be detrimental, so providing some shade during the hottest part of the day can help manage temperatures.

Pruning

Pruning the Adriatic bellflower helps to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and improve airflow, which can deter fungal diseases. Prune in early spring before new growth starts, cutting back any dead or damaged stems. After the bellflower has finished blooming, deadheading spent flowers will encourage a second flush of blooms. Annual or biennial pruning is generally sufficient to keep the plant healthy and aesthetically pleasing.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Adrian's Bellflower thrives in a soil mix comprising equal parts of loam, peat, and sharp sand, promoting good drainage and aeration. The ideal soil pH for Adrian's Bellflower should be slightly alkaline, around pH 7.0 to 7.5.

Repotting

Adrian's Bellflower typically does not need frequent repotting, and can often go 2-3 years before needing to be moved into a larger pot due to its moderate growth rate.

Humidity & Misting

Adrian's Bellflower prefers moderate humidity levels but can tolerate a range of humidity conditions as long as proper soil moisture is maintained.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Use well-draining soil, bright indirect light, and water when topsoil dries.

• Outdoor

  Plant in well-drained soil, full sun to part shade, and water regularly.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Campanula garganica 'Dickson's Gold', commonly known as Adriatic Bellflower, starts from seeds which germinate in spring when soil temperatures rise and moisture is adequate. Seedlings develop into a rosette of heart-shaped, golden-yellow leaves and as they mature, the plants form a low, mounding habit. During late spring to early summer, the plant enters its flowering stage, producing blue, bell-shaped flowers atop short stalks that rise above the foliage. After pollination, typically by bees and other insects attracted by the flowers, seeds develop and are dispersed near the parent plant. In the fall, as temperatures decrease, the Adriatic Bellflower enters a period of dormancy, its growth slows, and above-ground parts may die back, while the root system remains alive. With the return of warmer weather in the following spring, new growth emerges from the root system, and the life cycle repeats.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: Campanula garganica 'Dickson's Gold', commonly known as Dickson's Gold Bellflower, can be propagated effectively through division, which is the most popular method. The ideal time to divide this plant is in the spring, shortly after new growth begins. During division, clumps of the plant should be carefully lifted from the ground and gently teased apart into smaller clumps, ensuring each new section has a portion of the roots attached. These new clumps can then be replanted at the same depth they were growing originally, spaced approximately 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) apart to allow enough room for growth. Watering the newly planted divisions thoroughly helps to establish them in their new location. Regular watering, especially during dry periods, will encourage strong root development and aid in the successful propagation of Dickson's Gold Bellflower.