Istrian Bellflower Campanula tommasiniana

Water

The Serbian bellflower, the common name for Campanula tommasiniana, prefers consistent moisture, so water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this will be about once a week, but this could vary depending on climate and indoor conditions. Use enough water to moisten the soil thoroughly without waterlogging it; this might be around one-half to one gallon every two weeks for an outdoor garden plant or several onzes for a potted plant indoors, depending on the pot size and environmental factors. Avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of leaf diseases and instead water at the base of the plant. Over winter, reduce watering frequency as the plant requires less moisture during this dormant period.

Light

The Serbian bellflower thrives in partial sun to light shade, preferring a spot that offers morning sunlight and afternoon shade to protect it from the intense heat of the day. Ideal placement would be an east or north-facing window for indoor plants or a partially shaded area in the garden that receives dappled sunlight throughout the day. Avoid direct, harsh afternoon sun, especially in hotter climates, to prevent scorching the leaves.

Temperature

Serbian bellflowers flourish in moderate to cool temperatures and can generally endure a temperature range from 30°F to 75°F. They prefer a consistently cool environment and can tolerate brief periods of cold down to about 20°F. The ideal temperature range for this plant is between 50°F and 70°F, making it suitable for temperate climates without extreme heat or cold.

Pruning

Prune the Serbian bellflower to promote healthy growth, maintain its shape, and encourage more abundant flowering. Deadheading spent flowers will stimulate new blooms. Lightly prune the plant back in late winter or early spring before new growth begins to remove any dead or damaged stems and to maintain a compact, bushy form. Pruning can be done as needed throughout the growing season to keep the plant looking tidy.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The Italian Bellflower thrives in a well-draining soil mix with loamy or sandy consistency that retains moisture without waterlogging. A pH range between 6.0 to 7.5 is optimal. Mix equal parts of garden soil, peat, and perlite or sand for the best results.

Repotting

Italian Bellflowers should be repotted once every two to three years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth. The best time for repotting is in the spring before the onset of the growing season.

Humidity & Misting

Italian Bellflowers prefer moderate to high humidity levels but will tolerate average indoor humidity. Aim for a range of 40% to 60% humidity for optimal growth conditions.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright, indirect light and water moderately.

• Outdoor

  Plant in partial shade, protect from harsh sun.

• Hardiness zone

  7-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the Istrian Bellflower (Campanula tommasiniana) begins as a seed, which upon germination in late winter or early spring gives rise to small seedlings. These seedlings develop into rosettes of basal leaves that absorb sunlight and nutrients essential for growth. Throughout spring, the plant grows vertically, producing stems and leaves, and by summer it reaches maturity, with stems bearing beautiful bell-shaped blue or purplish flowers that attract pollinating insects. After pollination, the flowers will produce fruits in the form of capsules containing numerous small seeds. As the growing season ends, the plant may die back, with the seeds overwintering in the soil until next spring, or it may persist as a perennial, with the rosettes remaining semi-dormant during the cold months. In subsequent years, the cycle continues with the germination of new seeds or regrowth from the existing rosettes.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Campanula tommasiniana, commonly known as the Italian Bellflower, is by division. This is best done in the spring as this is when the plant is actively growing and can recover from the process more easily. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of the plant and gently separate it into smaller segments, ensuring that each segment has a portion of the roots attached. These segments can then be immediately replanted in well-draining soil, maintaining the same soil level around the roots as the original plant. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method not only helps to propagate new plants but also rejuvenates older clumps that might have become too large or crowded.