Kent Belle Bellflower Campanula 'Kent Belle'
ABOUT
Campanula 'Kent Belle', commonly known as 'Kent Belle Bellflower,' is a perennial plant that is prized for its striking flowers. The plant typically features a clump of green, lance-shaped leaves that serve as a lush backdrop for the blooms. These leaves may have a slight serration on the edges and possess a smooth, soft texture. The most distinctive characteristic of the 'Kent Belle Bellflower' is its bell-shaped flowers that hang gracefully on slender stems. These flowers are a deep, vivid blue or violet color, and their interiors often exhibit a faintly lighter hue which can add to their visual depth. The blooms are large and tubular, with the petals fusing together to form the bell shape, yet flaring out slightly at the mouth to create an elegant and open appearance. These flowers are arranged in loose clusters atop the stems and tend to nod or droop, giving the plant a gentle, cascading look. The vivid color of the flowers contrasts beautifully with the green foliage, making it a popular choice for ornamental gardening. Its blossoms are also attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, adding a lively dynamic to its appeal in the garden. Overall, the 'Kent Belle Bellflower' has a lush, robust presence with its green foliage and striking blue or violet flowers, combining both a touch of boldness and grace, making it a favorite among gardeners who want to introduce a pop of color and elegance to their borders or flower beds.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Campanulaceae.
Synonyms
Kent Belle Bellflower, Canterbury Bells.
Common names
Campanula 'Kent Belle'
ToxicityTo humans
Kent Belle, generally considered to be non-toxic to humans, does not typically cause poisoning when touched or ingested. There is no significant evidence suggesting that the ingestion of any part of this plant leads to serious health consequences for humans. However, as with any plant, individual allergies and sensitivities could potentially cause mild irritation or an allergic reaction.
To pets
Kent Belle is not known to be toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. It does not contain any known toxic substances that would pose a risk if pets were to ingest parts of this plant. As with humans, while ingestion is not expected to cause poisoning, pets with particular sensitivities may experience mild gastrointestinal upset or an allergic reaction. Owners should always monitor their pets for any signs of distress after ingestion of any plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1.5 feet (45 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Campanula 'Kent Belle', commonly known as Bellflower, produces striking bell-shaped deep blue/purple flowers that add beauty to any garden landscape.
- Attracts Pollinators: The colorful and nectar-rich blooms are great for attracting bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: Bellflower is known for being a low-maintenance plant that thrives in a wide range of soils, requiring minimal care once established.
- Perennial Growth: As a perennial, it returns year after year, providing a long-lasting garden presence and reducing the need for replanting annually.
- Versatility in Garden Design: The plant can be used in various parts of the garden, including borders, rock gardens, and as underplanting for taller species.
- Continual Blooming: Bellflower offers a relatively long blooming season from late spring to early fall, offering continuous color and interest.
- Drought Resistance: Once established, Campanula 'Kent Belle' is quite drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for gardeners in drier climates or those wishing to conserve water.
- Companion Planting: This plant pairs well with other perennials and annuals, allowing for diverse and complimentary garden compositions.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Flower Arrangement Filler: Kent Belle's long stems and bell-shaped flowers provide an attractive addition to bouquets and floral displays, adding height and a touch of elegance.
- Photography Subject: Due to its striking appearance, Kent Belle can serve as an excellent subject for botanical photography and art projects.
- Textile Dyeing: Some enthusiasts may use the blooms of Kent Belle for natural fabric dyeing, giving textiles a soft blue or violet hue.
- Fairy Gardens: With their delicate structure, these flowers are a whimsical addition to fairy gardens, providing a backdrop that suggests a miniature enchanted forest.
- Pressed Flowers: Enthusiasts of crafting can press the blossoms of Kent Belle for creating bookmarks, cards, or framed art pieces.
- Garden Themed Decor: Petals or images of the Kent Belle flower can be incorporated in home decor items such as wallpaper or ceramic designs for a garden-inspired theme.
- Educational Tool: Horticulturalists and educators might use Kent Belle to teach about plant growth, pollination, and the care of perennials.
- Scented Sachets: While not as common, the petals of Kent Belle can be dried and used in potpourri mixes or scented sachets for a subtle, floral aroma.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not commonly eaten, the flowers may be used as an edible garnish on salads or desserts, as long as they are free of pesticides.
- Seed Harvesting: Gardeners can collect seeds from the spent flowers of Kent Belle to propagate new plants or to share with fellow gardening enthusiasts.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bellflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Bellflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Gratitude - Campanula, commonly known as bellflower, often symbolizes gratitude due to its bell shape, which can be seen as an embodiment of thankfulness and appreciation.
- Constancy - The bellflower symbolizes unwavering love and faithfulness, reminiscent of a constant and enduring presence in one’s life.
- Humility - Its delicate form is frequently associated with humility and a down-to-earth nature, expressing modesty and simplicity.
- Hope - Often found in folklore and fairy tales, the bellflower represents hope and the belief that good things are to come, possibly owing to its upward-facing blooms.
WaterThe Canterbury Bells should be watered deeply whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means once every week, although this may vary depending on the climate and weather conditions. Water the plant at the base to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. During the active growing season in spring and summer, they might require more frequent watering, especially in hot, dry weather. Generally, ensuring they receive about 1 inch of water each week, whether from rainfall or manual watering, is a good rule of thumb. In cooler weather or when the plant is dormant in winter, water sparingly, just enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
LightThe Canterbury Bells prefers part shade to full sun conditions; however, in hotter climates, it benefits from some afternoon shade to protect it from intense heat. The ideal spot for this plant would be an eastern or western exposure where it receives bright but indirect sunlight for most of the day. Avoid deep shade, which can impede flowering and cause leggy growth.
TemperatureCanterbury Bells thrives in moderate temperatures and performs best in a range of 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 40 degrees Fahrenheit but should be protected from frost. Maximum temperature tolerance is typically around 80 degrees Fahrenheit before the plant may start showing signs of stress. Ideal growing conditions would avoid the extremes of this range, maintaining steady, moderate temperatures.
PruningCanterbury Bells benefit from light pruning to remove spent flowers and encourage a second bloom in the season. Pruning should be done immediately after the first flush of flowers has faded, usually in mid to late summer. Deadheading regularly will help prolong the blooming period and keep the plant looking tidy. Additionally, any damaged or dead stems can be cut back to healthy growth to maintain the plant’s overall health and appearance.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for Kent Belle Bellflower is well-draining, fertile loam with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to enrich the soil and improve drainage. Mulching helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.
RepottingKent Belle Bellflower should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Spring or early summer is the ideal time for repotting to allow the plant to establish in the new container.
Humidity & MistingBellflowers, such as Kent Belle, thrive in moderate humidity levels. They are adaptable but avoid overly dry air which can stress the plant. Mist occasionally if indoor air is dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and keep the soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade; keep soil moist but well-drained.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the 'Kent Belle' Bellflower (Campanula 'Kent Belle') begins with seed germination, typically occurring in spring when soil temperatures warm. Following germination, seedlings establish a root system and foliage during the vegetative growth stage, with leaves developing the characteristic shape and form. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage in early to mid-summer, producing long bell-shaped deep violet-blue flowers that attract pollinators like bees and hummingbirds. After pollination, the plant sets seed, allowing for the dispersal and continuation of the species. During the autumn, the 'Kent Belle' Bellflower begins to enter dormancy, with aerial parts dying back in response to colder temperatures. The plant's life cycle can continue the following year from new seeds or from the perennial root system, as 'Kent Belle' Bellflower is a herbaceous perennial.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
Propogation: Campanula 'Kent Belle', commonly known as Bellflower, can be propagated through division which is often considered the most popular method for this plant. This is ideally done in the early spring or fall when the plant is not in active bloom. The process involves carefully digging up the plant and gently separating the clump into smaller sections, making sure that each division has a good amount of roots attached. These divisions can then be replanted in well-prepared soil, spaced approximately 12 inches (about 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. It is important to water the new plantings thoroughly to help establish them in their new locations.
