Samantha Bellflower Campanula 'Samantha'
ABOUT
Campanula 'Samantha' is commonly known as bellflower due to its characteristic bell-shaped flowers. This perennial plant produces lush, low-growing foliage that spreads into a dense mat. The leaves are typically bright green, with a heart or ovate shape, possessing a somewhat ruffled or serrated edge. Throughout the blooming season, it is adorned with an abundance of upward-facing, cupped flowers that are usually violet or lavender in color. The charming blossoms may also exhibit a slight interplay of hues within the blue to purple spectrum, sometimes with a touch of pink, giving them a soft, pastel appearance. The graceful petals of the Samantha variety are fused at the base, creating the signature bell-like form which opens into a flared rim. This cultivar is noted for its vibrant green foliage which remains attractive even when it's not in flower, providing continued visual interest in the garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Campanulaceae.
Synonyms
Samantha Bellflower, Samantha Canterbury Bells.
Common names
Campanula 'Samantha'.
ToxicityTo humans
Bellflower 'Samantha' is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, there are typically no symptoms associated with poisoning from this plant because it is generally considered safe.
To pets
Bellflower 'Samantha' is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally safe for dogs, cats, and other domestic animals, and there should be no symptoms of poisoning from the ingestion of any part of this plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1 foot (30 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attracts pollinators: Campanula 'Samantha' provides nectar and pollen for bees and other beneficial insects, encouraging biodiversity.
- Low maintenance: Once established, this plant requires minimal care, making it ideal for busy gardeners.
- Drought-tolerant: Its ability to withstand dry periods reduces the need for frequent watering.
- Groundcover: Its spreading habit helps to cover bare spots in gardens and landscapes, suppressing weeds.
- Long blooming period: Campanula 'Samantha' has a long flowering season, offering visual interest for an extended time.
- Compact growth: Its small and compact size makes it suitable for container planting or small gardens.
- Cold-hardy: This plant can survive in colder climates, which makes it a good choice for northern gardeners.
- Decorative cut flowers: Its blooms can be used in floral arrangements, adding a cottage garden feel to bouquets.
- Edible qualities: Some parts of Campanula 'Samantha' are edible and can be used in salads or as garnishes, although this use is not widespread.
- Aesthetically versatile: Its delicate flowers can complement various garden styles, including rock, cottage, and formal gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- As a natural dye: The flowers of the Campanula can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, producing shades of blue or purple depending on the mordant used.
- In floral art: Due to their bell-shaped flowers, Campanula 'Samantha' can be incorporated into floral art designs, including Ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement.
- In photography: Photographers may utilize Campanula 'Samantha' as a subject for macro photography, showcasing the intricate details of its blossoms.
- As a model organism: Campanula 'Samantha' can be used in botanical studies as a model organism to understand flower development and plant morphology.
- As edible decor: The flowers can be crystallized with sugar and used to decorate desserts or as a garnish for salads and drinks.
- In crafting: The dried flowers and stems of Campanula 'Samantha' can be used in crafting for making ornaments, wreaths, or other dried floral arrangements.
- As a natural insect repellent: Certain compounds found in Campanula plants may help deter some insects when planted in a garden.
- As a teaching aid: Campanula 'Samantha' can be used in educational settings to teach children about plant growth, reproduction, and the lifecycle of perennials.
- In perfumery: While not a common use, the delicate scent of Campanula 'Samantha' could potentially be used in creating bespoke or natural perfumes.
- In landscaping for wildlife: Planting Campanula 'Samantha' can attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, contributing to biodiversity in gardens.
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 'Samantha', also known as Bellflower, is often associated with feelings of thanks due to its graceful bell-shaped flowers and enduring nature.
- Constancy and Perseverance: The Bellflower symbolizes unwavering love and commitment, representing the idea of standing strong through all trials.
- Love and Affection: With its heartwarming blooms, the Bellflower is commonly linked to expressions of deep love and affection.
- Humility: Its delicate form can be reflective of humility in personality or circumstances.
WaterBellflowers, including Campanula 'Samantha', prefer evenly moist soil, so it's important to water them when the top inch of soil feels dry. Generally, this means watering once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions and soil drainage. The method of watering should be gentle, to avoid disturbing the soil and roots—using a watering can or a slow-drip system is ideal. Aim to provide approximately 1 gallon of water per plant each time you water, ensuring it's enough to reach the root zone without causing waterlogging.
LightBellflowers like Campanula 'Samantha' thrive best in full sun to partial shade. They should be placed in a location where they can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. However, in hotter climates, they benefit from some afternoon shade to protect them from the intense heat of the day.
TemperatureBellflowers, including Campanula 'Samantha', can generally tolerate a range of temperatures, but they flourish at temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures down to around 30 degrees Fahrenheit and maximum temperatures up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, making them suitable for most temperate climates.
PruningPruning Campanula 'Samantha' or bellflower is important to encourage bushier growth and remove spent flowers which promotes a longer blooming period. Deadheading, or snipping off the faded flowers, can be done throughout the blooming season. After the first flush of blooms, cut back the flowering stems by one-third to encourage a second blooming. The best time for major pruning is in early spring when new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Bellflower 'Samantha' thrives in well-draining soil with a mix of two parts potting soil, one part perlite or sand, and one part compost. This ensures adequate drainage and fertility. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingBellflower 'Samantha' should generally be repotted every 1-2 years. It is best to repot in the spring just before the growing season begins.
Humidity & MistingBellflower 'Samantha' prefers average to slightly above-average humidity levels but is adaptable to typical household humidity conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Bellflower 'Samantha' in bright, indirect light and water when topsoil feels dry.
Outdoor
Plant Bellflower 'Samantha' in partial sun to full shade and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Campanula 'Samantha', commonly known as the bellflower 'Samantha', begins with seed germination, typically in the spring when the soil has warmed up. When conditions are optimal, the seeds will sprout and the plant will develop its first true leaves, entering its vegetative growth stage. During this stage, the bellflower 'Samantha' grows rapidly, forming a low, mounding foliage clump. As the plant matures, it enters the flowering stage in early to mid-summer, producing a profusion of lavender-blue, bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators. After blooming, the plant sets seeds, completing its reproductive cycle. If the conditions are perennial to the region, the bellflower 'Samantha' will go dormant in winter, only to regrow from its rootstock with the arrival of warmer weather in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Campanula 'Samantha', commonly known as the bellflower 'Samantha', is by division. The process should ideally be carried out in the spring or early fall. To propagate by division, gently lift the plant out of the ground with a spade or fork, ensuring that you keep a good amount of root attached to each section. Carefully pull apart the clumps of foliage and roots into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a portion of the root ball intact. Replant the divisions at the same depth they were originally growing immediately into moist soil, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth. Water the new plants well to help establish a strong root system.
