Sarastro Bellflower Campanula 'Sarastro'
ABOUT
Campanula 'Sarastro', often known as bellflower, presents itself as a charming perennial heralding the arrival of summer with a lavish display of blooms. The plant's characteristic feature is its large, bell-shaped flowers, which possess a deep blue-purple hue that captivates the observer's gaze. These stunning blooms dangle elegantly from arching stems, swaying softly with the breeze and adding a touch of grace to any garden setting. The foliage of the bellflower forms a lush, low mound consisting of heart-shaped leaves. These leaves are a pleasing mid-green color and provide a splendid backdrop that accentuates the splendor of the flowers. The contrast between the vibrant green of the leaves and the rich blue-purple of the flowers creates an alluring visual feast for garden visitors. The bellflower has a robust and hardy nature, with a propensity to flower profusely, creating a visual spectacle of nodding bells that seem to be in conversation with the fluttering of garden butterflies and buzzing bees that are drawn to its appeal. The plant's form, a harmonious blend of its extravagant flowers and verdant foliage, culminates in a display that exudes an old-world charm perennially appreciated by enthusiasts and casual onlookers alike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Campanulaceae
Synonyms
Sarastro Bellflower, Sarastro Campanula
Common names
Campanula 'Sarastro'
ToxicityTo humans
The Campanula 'Sarastro', commonly known as Bellflower, is not considered toxic to humans. There are no well-documented symptoms of poisoning from consuming any parts of the Bellflower, as it is generally regarded as safe.
To pets
The Bellflower is also considered non-toxic to pets. It is not known to cause any significant symptoms of poisoning if pets ingest parts of the plant. Therefore, it is not usually a cause for concern if pets come into contact with or consume the Bellflower.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers: 'Sarastro' bellflower produces large, deep purple-blue blooms that add striking color to the garden landscape.
- Long Blooming Period: It has a long flowering season, typically from late spring to early summer, offering a prolonged display of its beautiful flowers.
- Easy to Grow: This variety is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal maintenance, which is ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of the 'Sarastro' bellflower are attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate other plants in the garden.
- Versatile Plant: This plant is suitable for planting in borders, containers, or as a part of a cottage garden, giving gardeners various landscaping options.
- Cold Hardy: It is tolerant of cold temperatures and capable of surviving through winter in many climates, making it a good choice for perennial beds in cooler regions.
- Works as Groundcover: The 'Sarastro' bellflower can serve as an effective groundcover due to its mounding growth habit, helping to suppress weeds and reduce garden maintenance.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Artistic Dye: Sarastro bellflower petals can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding subtle shades of blue or violet depending on the mordant used.
- Fairy Gardens: Its enchanting bell-shaped flowers make the Sarastro bellflower a whimsical addition to fairy gardens or miniature landscapes.
- Photography Subject: With its striking blooms, the Sarastro bellflower is a favored subject for photographers specializing in floral and garden imagery.
- Culinary Garnish: Although not common, the flowers can occasionally be used as an edible garnish to add a pop of color to salads and desserts.
- Educational Tool: Sarastro bellflowers can be used in educational settings to teach botany and horticulture, especially regarding the Campanulaceae family.
- Craft Projects: Pressed Sarastro bellflower blossoms can be incorporated into craft projects like homemade greeting cards or bookmarks for a touch of natural beauty.
- Floral Arrangements: The long stems and unique blooms of the Sarastro bellflower make it a striking addition to cut floral arrangements.
- Element in Perfumery: The subtle fragrance of the Sarastro bellflower can inspire scent profiles in the creation of perfumes, although not typically used as a direct ingredient.
- Seed Harvesting: Hobbyists may grow Sarastro bellflowers to collect seeds, which can be shared with fellow gardeners or used to propagate new plants.
- Garden Themes: The Sarastro bellflower can be specifically used in "moon gardens," which feature white and light-colored flowers that reflect moonlight and create a glow in the evening hours.
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: The Campanula, or bellflower, often symbolizes gratitude due to its pleasing appearance and enduring nature, reminding people to be thankful for the good in their lives.
- Constancy and Perseverance: Its ability to grow in a variety of conditions and its long flowering period represent steadfastness and the ability to persevere through challenges.
- Unwavering Love: The bell-shaped flowers of the Campanula are thought to resemble a vessel for holding feelings, thus representing unchanging and steadfast love.
- Humility: The bell shape, which points down, symbolizes humility, suggesting a modest beauty that doesn't need to show off to be appreciated.
WaterThe ideal watering routine for Campanula 'Sarastro', commonly known as Bellflower 'Sarastro', is to maintain consistently moist soil without letting it become waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, approximately once every week, with about 1 gallon of water per plant. It's important to water deeply to encourage root growth, but be cautious not to overwater, as Bellflowers are sensitive to root rot. The amount of water may need to be adjusted depending on climate and weather conditions; more frequent watering might be necessary in hot, dry spells and less in cooler, rainy periods. Always ensure that the pot or area where the plant is growing has good drainage to avoid excess moisture accumulation.
LightBellflower 'Sarastro' thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. It should be placed in a spot where it can receive a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight daily, but it also appreciates some shade during the hottest part of the day, especially in warmer climates. An eastern or western exposure, where the plant gets morning or late afternoon sun, is ideal for balancing light needs.
TemperatureBellflower 'Sarastro' is cold hardy and can withstand temperatures down to approximately 20 degrees Fahrenheit but may struggle with prolonged periods below this point. Ideally, Campanula 'Sarastro' prefers a temperature range between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can tolerate summer heat as long as it's not excessively high, but make sure to protect the plant from extreme cold by providing mulch or cover if temperature drops near its minimum tolerance.
PruningPruning Bellflower 'Sarastro' encourages bushier growth and more blooms. Remove spent flower stalks throughout the blooming season to promote additional flowering. After the first killing frost, cut back the entire plant to within a few inches of the ground, as this can help to prevent diseases and pests. Pruning is typically done annually; however, intermittent deadheading can occur throughout the growing season to maintain the plant's appearance and vitality.
CleaningNot needed
SoilBellflower 'Sarastro' thrives in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. The ideal soil mix is one part garden soil, one part peat or compost, and one part perlite or sand to ensure adequate drainage. Mulching can help retain moisture and keep roots cool.
RepottingBellflower 'Sarastro' typically requires repotting every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. The best time to repot is in the spring before the onset of the growing season.
Humidity & MistingThe Bellflower 'Sarastro' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. It does well in average home humidity; strive to maintain humidity levels of 40-50% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water regularly.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade to full sun; water consistently.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Bellflower 'Sarastro' begins with germination, where seeds sprout in moist, well-draining soil typically in the spring season. Following germination, the seedling stage involves the growth of the plant's juvenile leaves, establishing a root system, and early stem development. In the vegetative stage, the plant develops a robust foliage structure with heart-shaped leaves and strengthens its root system for nutrients and water intake. Approaching maturity, the plant enters the flowering stage where distinctive purple-blue, bell-shaped flowers bloom, usually in early to late summer, for pollination and subsequent seed production. After pollination, the plant produces seeds in capsules and, as they mature, disperses them to continue the life cycle. In colder climates, the plant may enter dormancy in the winter, a stage characterized by reduced metabolic activity till temperatures rise again in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The most popular method for propagating the Campanula 'Sarastro', also known as the Bellflower 'Sarastro', is by division. This is ideally done in the spring or early fall to allow the plant time to establish before the extremes of summer heat or winter cold. One begins by digging up the entire clump of the plant and gently teasing apart the root ball into smaller sections, each with a portion of the root system and several shoots. Care should be taken not to damage the roots excessively. These divisions can then be replanted at the same depth they were growing at originally, spaced about 12 to 15 inches (approximately 30 to 38 centimeters) apart to give them room to grow. Water the new plantings thoroughly to help them settle in and establish a strong root system.
