Bellflower Campanula 'Joe Elliott'
ABOUT
Campanula 'Joe Elliott', commonly referred to as bellflower, is a perennial plant known for its attractive bell-shaped flowers. The flowers of this particular variety boast a lovely hue that can range from a pale to a more vibrant shade of blue, adding a touch of delicate beauty to any garden setting. The distinct shape of the blossoms resembles little bells hanging gracefully from the stems, hence its common name. The foliage of the bellflower is generally green and can exhibit a range of textures from smooth to slightly hairy, with leaves appearing mostly basal - that is, growing at the base of the plant - with some spiraling up along the flowering stems. The overall form of the plant tends to be clumping or mounding, creating a lovely, organized appearance within a garden bed or as an edging plant.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Campanulaceae
Synonyms
Bellflower, Joe Elliott Bellflower
Common names
Campanula 'Joe Elliott'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Bellflower, specifically Campanula 'Joe Elliott', is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There is no well-documented evidence of toxicity, and ingestion of parts of this plant is not known to cause serious harm. However, as with any plant, individual allergic reactions or sensitivities are possible. If a large quantity is ingested, it might cause mild stomach upset.
To pets
The Bellflower, including the Campanula 'Joe Elliott' cultivar, is not toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It is not expected to cause any significant symptoms of poisoning if ingested by pets. However, individual animals may have varying sensitivities and might experience mild gastrointestinal upset if they consume large amounts of any non-food item, including this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
0.5-1 feet (15-30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts Pollinators: Campanula 'Joe Elliott' is known for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects that are essential for pollination.
- Low Maintenance: This plant is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal upkeep once established in the right conditions.
- Drought Tolerant: Once established, it has good resistance to periods of drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping or low-water gardens.
- Aesthetic Appeal: With its striking flowers and foliage, Campanula 'Joe Elliott' adds visual interest and beauty to any garden space.
- Long Blooming: It has a lengthy blooming period, providing flowers throughout the summer season.
- Adaptable: This plant is able to adapt to a range of soil types, although it prefers well-draining soil.
- Cold Hardy: It can withstand cold temperatures, making it suitable for growing in a variety of climates, including cooler regions.
- Versatile in Landscaping: It can be used in rock gardens, borders, containers, or as ground cover, offering versatility in garden design.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Fairy Gardens: Bellflowers can be used to add enchantment to miniature fairy gardens due to their bell-shaped flowers providing a whimsical touch.
- Photography: The distinctive shape and vibrant color of Bellflowers make them popular subjects for macro and nature photographers.
- Artistic Inspiration: Artists often use the intricate patterns of Bellflowers as inspiration for designs in paintings, textiles, or ceramics.
- Dried Floral Arrangements: Drying Bellflowers can create long-lasting arrangements that maintain color and shape, suitable for home decor.
- Garnish: Edible varieties of Bellflowers can be used as a decorative, edible garnish on plates for a touch of elegance.
- Bookmarks: Pressed Bellflower blooms can be laminated to create unique and nature-inspired bookmarks.
- Crafts: Flowers and leaves of the Bellflower can be incorporated into crafts such as making natural dyes for fabrics or paper goods.
- Seed Harvesting: Gardeners may cultivate Bellflowers to collect seeds for trading or for growing new plants in the following season.
- Wedding Decor: Bellflowers are often used in wedding bouquets and decorations for their romantic appearance and array of colors.
- Teaching Tool: Bellflowers can be used in educational settings to teach about plant pollination, reproduction, and botanical illustration.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Bellflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Bellflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Gratitude: Campanulas, commonly known as Bellflowers, often symbolize gratitude, making them a thoughtful gift when you want to show appreciation.
- Constancy: The perennial nature of the Bellflower, which returns each year, represents constancy and enduring love.
- Unwavering love: Their bell-shaped blossoms are reminiscent of a harmonious, unwavering love that is both open and persistent.
- Hope: The delicate and uplifting form of the Bellflower is often associated with hope and looking towards the future with optimism.
- Humility: The Bellflower's simple beauty embodies humility without the need for grandeur or attention.
WaterThe Canterbury Bells should be watered deeply enough to soak the root zone once a week during active growth, in the absence of rainfall. Adjust frequency during hotter, dryer periods to maintain consistent soil moisture, ensuring it is not waterlogged. In cooler weather, reduce watering to prevent root rot. Approximately one to two gallons per week should suffice, depending on the plant's size and environmental conditions. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering.
LightCanterbury Bells thrive in full sun to partial shade. The ideal location provides morning sunlight with some afternoon shade in hotter climates, or full sun in cooler areas. Avoid deep shade as it may hinder flower production and can cause leggy growth.
TemperatureCanterbury Bells prefer moderate temperatures and are hardy in a range from 40 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minor frosts but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 40 degrees or above 85 degrees can be detrimental to their health. Ideal growing temperatures are between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPrune Canterbury Bells to remove spent flowers, as this encourages reblooming. Pruning in late winter or early spring by cutting back the old growth encourages a tidy habit and new growth. Pruning immediately after the first flush of blooms can also promote a second, smaller flush of flowers later in the season.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Bellflower 'Joe Elliott' thrives best in well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A good soil mix for this plant includes equal parts of loam, peat moss, and sand or perlite to ensure adequate drainage and air circulation. This blend helps the plant establish a strong root system while preventing waterlogging.
RepottingThe Bellflower 'Joe Elliott' should be repotted every two to three years or when it outgrows its current container. This helps to rejuvenate the soil and provide space for continued root growth.
Humidity & MistingThe Bellflower 'Joe Elliott' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable to different conditions. However, it should not be subjected to extremely dry environments for prolonged periods.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright indirect light and well-draining soil.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, provide well-draining soil and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleCampanula 'Joe Elliott', commonly known as Bellflower, begins its life cycle when seeds are sown in early spring or autumn, where they germinate and develop into seedlings. With adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients, the seedlings grow into vegetative plants, exhibiting typical rosettes of leaves close to the ground. As the weather warms, the Bellflower enters the flowering stage, producing tall stems with bell-shaped, blue-violet flowers that attract pollinators and can bloom from early to late summer. After pollination, flowers will set seeds, completing the reproductive cycle. As a perennial, once the flowering season concludes, the Bellflower will die back to the root system in late autumn, entering a dormant phase over winter. With the return of favorable conditions in spring, the plant will resume growth, repeating the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Campanula 'Joe Elliott', commonly known as Bellflower, is typically propagated through division, which is the most popular method. The best time for propagating Bellflowers through division is either in the spring or early fall. To divide the plant, you would first carefully dig up the clump once it has reached a suitable size, ensuring that you get as much of the root system as possible. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, each with roots attached, using your hands or a sharp knife if necessary. After division, the new clumps can be replanted in well-prepared soil, at the same depth they were originally growing, and watered thoroughly to help establish them. It's crucial to maintain even moisture without overwatering until the new plants take root and begin to show new growth, indicating successful propagation.
