Canterbury Bells Campanula 'Mevr. V. Vollenhove'
ABOUT
The Campanula 'Mevr. V. Vollenhove', commonly known as the Bellflower, is a perennial plant that exhibits a dense clump of dark green leaves which are typically heart-shaped with a toothed edge. These leaves form an attractive mound and create a lush backdrop for the blooms. The standout feature of the Bellflower 'Mevr. V. Vollenhove' are its flowers. The blossoms are star-shaped, with a clean, bright white color that radiates from its petal tips to the center. Each flower has a bell-like form, which is where the plant's common name is derived. The interiors of the bells can reveal subtle hints of fainter coloration, adding depth and texture to the overall floral display. The blooms ascend on upright sturdy stems which rise above the foliage, giving the impression of a miniature floral forest. This lush display of leaves and elegant flowers makes the Bellflower 'Mevr. V. Vollenhove' a visually appealing addition to any garden setting, evoking a sense of delicacy and classic beauty.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Campanulaceae
Synonyms
Mrs. V. Vollenhove, Bellflower
Common names
Campanula 'Mrs. V. Vollenhove', Campanula 'Mevrouw Van Vollenhoven'.
ToxicityTo humans
The Bellflower (Campanula 'Mevr. V. Vollenhove') is generally considered non-toxic to humans. Therefore, ingesting parts of this plant typically does not result in poisoning or serious health consequences.
To pets
The Bellflower (Campanula 'Mevr. V. Vollenhove') is also generally considered non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause poisoning in animals such as dogs and cats when ingested, and there are typically no adverse symptoms associated with its consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (0.61 meters)
Spread
1.5 feet (0.46 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: Campanula 'Mevr. V. Vollenhove', commonly known as Peach-leaved Bellflower, features charming bell-shaped flowers that enhance the beauty of gardens and landscapes.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the Peach-leaved Bellflower is generally drought-tolerant, making it suitable for gardens with lower water availability.
- Pollinator-Friendly: The nectar-rich flowers attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Easy to Grow: This plant is known for being easy to cultivate and care for, making it accessible to gardeners of all skill levels.
- Long Blooming Period: The Peach-leaved Bellflower often enjoys a long blooming season, providing extended visual interest in the garden.
- Cold Hardy: Campanula 'Mevr. V. Vollenhove' is cold-hardy, allowing it to survive and thrive in cooler climates and resist frost damage.
- Ground Cover: Its spreading habit often used to create a lush ground cover, suppressing weeds and reducing garden maintenance.
- Versatility: The plant can be used in various garden settings, including borders, rock gardens, and containers, thanks to its versatile nature.
- Cottage Garden Appeal: The Peach-leaved Bellflower contributes to a classic cottage garden look with its quaint, rural charm.
- Provides Structure: With its clumps and mounds of foliage, it can help provide structure and form to garden designs.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The Bellflower's dried seed capsules can be used in flower arrangements, adding a rustic touch to bouquets and wreaths.
- As an educational tool, the Bellflower can be employed in botany classes to illustrate the characteristics of the Campanulaceae family.
- The shape of the flower can serve as an inspiration for artists and fashion designers, particularly for patterns and textures in their work.
- The Bellflower can act as a companion plant in the garden, its presence can help to attract pollinators that benefit surrounding flora.
- If grown densely, Bellflower can be used as low, flowering ground cover, providing an aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional lawn grass.
- Bellflower petals, being colorful and decorative, can be used in crafts, such as pressed flower art or in homemade potpourri mixes.
- The Bellflower can serve as a natural food dye in culinary practices, although it is not commonly used for this purpose.
- Gardeners might use the visual appeal of Bellflower as part of a sensory garden, creating a space with tactile and visual stimuli.
- The flowers can be used in a photographic context, providing a picturesque subject for both professional and amateur photographers.
- In traditional practices, the Bellflower might be included in symbolic floral arrangements, such as wedding decorations signifying constancy and everlasting love.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Bellflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Plant Symbolism- Gratitude - Campanula flowers are often associated with gratitude due to their delicate and warm appearance that seems to express thanks and appreciation.
- Humility - Their bell-shaped flowers which nod or droop downwards are seen as a symbol of humility and reverent reflection.
- Perseverance - These plants are hearty and can grow in a variety of conditions, symbolizing the ability to persist and thrive through challenges.
- Constancy and enduring love - The longevity of the Campanula bloom throughout the season represents long-standing affection and unwavering commitment in relationships.
WaterThe Peach-leaved Bellflower should be watered thoroughly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out before rewatering to ensure the roots do not sit in overly wet soil, which can promote root rot. In general, during active growth in the spring and summer, watering it once every week with approximately one gallon of water is sufficient. However, reduce the frequency to every two weeks during the cooler months or when the plant is dormant. Always check the soil moisture before watering and adjust accordingly to your indoor conditions and seasonal changes.
LightPeach-leaved Bellflower thrives in a spot that receives full sun to partial shade. The best lighting condition would be to place it where it gets at least four to six hours of sunlight daily. However, if you live in an area with a very hot climate, providing some afternoon shade would help protect the plant from intense, direct sunlight that might scorch its leaves.
TemperaturePeach-leaved Bellflower prefers temperate conditions and does well in temperatures ranging from 50°F to 75°F. It can tolerate minimum temperatures down to 30°F but should be protected from extreme cold. It's ideal to keep the plant away from drafty windows and doors during the winter months to avoid exposure to freezing temperatures.
PruningPeach-leaved Bellflower benefits from pruning to maintain its shape, encourage bushier growth, and promote more blooms. The best time to prune is after the plant has finished flowering. Remove any spent flowers and trim back any leggy or overgrown stems. Pruning can be done every few weeks during the blooming season to keep the plant looking tidy and encourage additional flowers.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Bellflower 'Mevr. V. Vollenhove' is well-draining, loamy soil enriched with compost. The ideal pH for this plant is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingBellflower 'Mevr. V. Vollenhove' should be repotted every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate its growing root system.
Humidity & MistingBellflower 'Mevr. V. Vollenhove' does well in average household humidity levels but appreciates higher humidity without being waterlogged.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water when topsoil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant in partial sun and well-drained soil; water regularly.
Hardiness zone
3-9 USDA.
Life cycleThe life of Campanula 'Mevr. V. Vollenhove', commonly known as Bellflower, begins with seed germination, which occurs in a moist, well-drained environment with adequate light. The seedlings emerge and grow into juvenile plants, developing a basal rosette of leaves and a root system. As it matures, the Bellflower enters the vegetative stage, where it produces more foliage and strengthens its stem in preparation for flowering. The reproductive stage follows, during which the plant blooms, exhibiting its characteristic bell-shaped flowers that can attract various pollinators. After pollination, seeds are produced, which eventually disperse, beginning a new cycle. In the final stage of its life cycle, the Bellflower plant senesces and dies back, leaving behind seeds to continue its legacy.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Campanula 'Mevr. V. Vollenhove', commonly known as Peach-leaved Bellflower, is best propagated through division, which is typically done in spring after the frost has passed. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the plant ensuring a good amount of roots are attached to each division. Each section should have at least two or three shoots. Replant each division immediately at the same soil depth as before and water thoroughly. This method allows the plant to recover quickly and grow into a full, flowering specimen within a season. It is an efficient way to produce new plants that are true to the parent plant and can help control the size of the bellflower in your garden.
