Viking Bellflower Campanula 'Viking' (PBR)
ABOUT
The Campanula 'Viking' is a captivating flowering plant with a lush, mounding habit. It is adorned with a profusion of bell-shaped flowers that showcase a striking shade of blue-purple. The blooms make a bold statement with their vivid color and are complemented by the plant's foliage that presents as green, heart-shaped leaves with a serrated edge. The leaves are arranged in a dense rosette at the base, providing a verdant backdrop for the vibrant flowers that rise above on sleek stems. The overall visual impression of the Campanula 'Viking' is one of a rich tapestry of blue-purple blossoms elegantly poised above a bed of contrasting green, offering a serene yet joyful display in any garden setting.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Viking Bellflower
Common names
Campanula 'Viking' (PBR)
ToxicityTo humans
Generally, plants in the Campanula genus, commonly known as bellflowers, are not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, the Campanula 'Viking' is not considered poisonous, and ingesting parts of this plant is unlikely to cause serious harm or symptoms of poisoning. However, it's always prudent to avoid eating ornamental plants due to potential individual allergies or gastrointestinal discomfort.
To pets
Bellflowers, which include the Campanula 'Viking', are typically not toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. As a result, ingestion of this plant is not likely to cause significant symptoms of poisoning in pets. Nonetheless, ingestion of any non-food plant can potentially result in mild gastrointestinal upset like vomiting or diarrhea in some animals, so it is advisable to keep an eye on your pet and consult with a veterinarian if you notice any unusual behaviors or symptoms after ingestion.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Blue
Height
1 feet 4 inches (0.4 meters)
Spread
1 feet 4 inches (0.4 meters)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Flowers - The Campanula 'Viking' produces vibrant, bell-shaped blue flowers that can add a touch of elegance to any garden.
- Long Blooming Period - This plant has an extended flowering period that spans from early to late summer, providing a lasting display.
- Hardiness - It is known for its hardiness, able to withstand cooler temperatures and survive in zones 4 to 8.
- Drought Tolerance - Once established, the plant exhibits a degree of drought tolerance, making it suitable for drier climates or water-wise gardens.
- Low Maintenance - Campanula 'Viking' does not require extensive care, making it a good option for gardeners at all levels of experience.
- Pollinator Friendly - The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Versatility - This plant can be used in a variety of settings, including borders, rock gardens, and as ground cover.
- Deer Resistance - The plant is less palatable to deer, which can help to minimize damage in areas where deer browsing is a problem.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Edible blooms: Campanula flowers are edible and can add a splash of color and a mild, sweet flavor to salads and desserts.
- Natural fabric dye: The petals of Campanula can be used to create a natural dye for fabrics, yielding shades of blue or purple, depending on the mordant used.
- Photography subject: Campanula's vivid blue or violet flowers can provide an attractive subject for botanical photographers and artists.
- Themed gardens: Campanula 'Viking' can be used in "Viking" or "medieval" themed garden designs, providing an atmosphere aligned with historical horticulture.
- Plant structure support: The sturdy stems of mature Campanula plants could potentially support lighter or smaller plants, acting as a natural stake.
- Ice cubes decoration: Freeze small Campanula flowers into ice cubes to create decorative elements for summer drinks or punch bowls.
- Wedding decor: The striking blossoms can be used in wedding bouquets or table arrangements for a rustic or garden-themed wedding.
- Botanical illustration: Artists could use Campanula as a subject to practice botanical illustration, due to its unique bell-shaped flowers.
- Bee and butterfly garden: Campanula can contribute to a garden aimed at attracting pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, by providing a source of nectar.
- Teaching tool: Educators can use the growth cycle of Campanula to teach students about plant biology, life cycles, and pollination.
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 bell-shaped blooms of the Campanula, commonly known as Bellflower, are often associated with the idea of gratitude, reflecting the flower's gentle droop as if it's nodding a thank you.
- Constancy and Perseverance: Bellflowers, with their ability to grow in a variety of conditions, symbolize constant love and perseverance in overcoming challenges.
- Humility: The bell shape that faces downwards gives the Bellflower an unassuming appearance, which can represent humility in the language of flowers.
- Affection: In some traditions, Bellflowers are given to convey affection and the desire for a close, familiar relationship.
- Honesty and Sincerity: The Bellflower's simple yet elegant form is thought to symbolize honesty and sincerity in interactions with others.
- Youth and New Adventures: Because they bloom in a variety of locations, Bellflowers can be associated with the vibrancy of youth and the excitement of embarking on new ventures.
WaterBellflowers, including the Campanula 'Viking', prefer soil that is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This could mean watering approximately once a week, but frequency should be adjusted based on temperature, humidity, and plant size. As a general rule, provide about 1 gallon of water per week to ensure proper hydration, although smaller plants may require less. Be sure to avoid overhead watering to prevent leaf diseases, and instead water at the base of the plant.
LightBellflowers thrive best in a location where they receive full sun to partial shade. Choose a spot that provides at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Ideally, morning sunlight and afternoon shade is perfect for the 'Viking' variety to prevent potential scorching during the peak summer heat.
TemperatureThe ideal temperature range for Bellflowers is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive a broader range, with a minimum temperature tolerance of about 50 degrees Fahrenheit and a maximum of around 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Sudden temperature swings should be avoided to prevent stress to the plant.
PruningPrune Bellflowers after they bloom to encourage a second flush of flowers. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to maintain the plant's appearance and prevent self-seeding, which can be invasive. Cut back the foliage by about one-third in late summer or fall after flowering has finished for the season. This helps keep the 'Viking' variety healthy and stimulates new growth in the spring.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Bellflower 'Viking' thrives best in a soil mix that is well-draining, with a good content of organic matter such as compost or peat. A combination of loam, peat, and sharp sand facilitates drainage. The ideal soil pH for this plant ranges from slightly acidic to neutral, around 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingBellflower 'Viking' should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to ensure the plant has enough room to grow and to refresh the soil, which can become compacted and nutrient-depleted over time.
Humidity & MistingBellflower 'Viking' prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable and can tolerate the lower humidity levels typical of most home environments well.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water regularly.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, water frequently, and protect from extreme heat.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Campanula 'Viking', commonly known as Bellflower, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate, usually in early spring under suitable temperature and moisture conditions. After germination, the seedling stage is marked by the emergence of the first leaves and root system development. As the Bellflower enters the vegetative stage, it develops a robust foliage structure and an extensive root system. During the flowering stage, typically in late spring to early summer, the Bellflower produces its characteristically beautiful bell-shaped flowers, which attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies. After pollination, the plant sets seeds, completing the sexual reproduction phase. In the final stage of its life cycle, the plant may enter dormancy over winter or die back, depending on the climate, but it can also promote new growth from its root system or self-sow its seeds, thereby perpetuating the cycle for the following season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Campanula 'Viking', commonly known as Bellflower 'Viking', can be propagated primarily through division. The best time to propagate by division is in the spring, as the plants emerge from dormancy and begin to show new growth. This activity should occur roughly every 3-4 years for the health of the plants as it rejuvenates them and helps to control their spread. To divide Bellflower 'Viking', carefully dig around the plant with a shovel and lift it from the ground. Gently separate the plant into smaller sections, making sure each section has a portion of the root system. These sections can then be replanted at the same depth they were originally growing at, spacing them about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow for growth. After replanting, water the divisions well to help establish them in their new locations.
