Clustered Bellflower Campanula glomerata var. alba
ABOUT
The Campanula glomerata var. alba, commonly known as the white clustered bellflower, boasts a charming look with its mass of pristine white flowers. These blossoms are shaped like little bells or stars, clustered together at the top of the stems, creating a dense and arresting floral display that catches the eye. The flowers are supported by a clump of basal leaves that are generally broad, somewhat hairy, and have a lush green color. This foliage forms a mound which serves as a contrasting backdrop to the bright white of the flowers. As the name suggests, the color theme of this variant is predominantly white, giving it a pure and elegant appearance with a cottage garden appeal. The white clustered bellflower has a robust and hardy character, contributing color and vibrancy to gardens without needing to mention its size.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Campanulaceae
Synonyms
Clustered Bellflower, Dane's Blood, White Clustered Bellflower
Common names
Campanula petraea, Campanula glomerata f. alba, Campanula glomerata var. dahurica, Campanula glomerata subsp. faroensis, Campanula cephalotes, Campanula glomerata var. speciosa.
ToxicityTo humans
Clustered Bellflower, the common name for Campanula glomerata var. alba, is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, ingesting parts of this plant typically does not result in poisoning or adverse health effects. However, it is still advisable to avoid consuming this or any plant without proper knowledge of its edibility and potential effects.
To pets
Clustered Bellflower, known as Campanula glomerata var. alba, is not considered toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. Ingestion of this plant should not cause poisoning or serious health issues in pets. Nevertheless, it's always prudent to prevent pets from eating plants indiscriminately since individual animals may have varying sensitivities or allergic reactions.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
3-8
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Campanula glomerata var. alba, commonly known as Clustered Bellflower, adds beauty to gardens with its elegant white flowers.
- Attracts Pollinators: The bright flowers of the Clustered Bellflower attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, the Clustered Bellflower is relatively drought-tolerant and requires minimal care, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscaping.
- Border Plant: Its compact and cluster-forming nature makes it an excellent choice for borders or as ground cover in garden designs.
- Cottage Garden Aesthetic: The traditional and naturalistic appearance of the Clustered Bellflower complements cottage garden styles effectively.
- Seasonal Interest: Blooming in late spring to summer, Clustered Bellflower provides seasonal interest and color variation in the garden throughout these times.
- Wildlife Habitat: Offers shelter and habitat to small wildlife within a garden ecosystem, including beneficial insects.
Medical Properties- This 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 Clustered Bellflower can be used to create a light blue or violet dye for textiles.
- In small-scale water filtration: When planted in rain gardens, Clustered Bellflower can help filter pollutants from runoff water.
- For educational purposes: Clustered Bellflower can be used to educate students about plant biology and pollination, as it is attractive to bees and butterflies.
- As a photography subject: The striking white flowers of Clustered Bellflower make it a popular choice for botanical photography.
- In butterfly gardens: Planting Clustered Bellflower can aid in attracting and supporting butterfly populations.
- In crafting: Dried Clustered Bellflower blooms can be used in floral arrangements, wreaths, and other dried flower crafts.
- As a soil stabilizer: The plant can be used on slopes and banks to help prevent soil erosion due to its spreading habit.
- In culinary decoration: Though not widely eaten, the petals can be used as a decorative garnish on salads and desserts.
- As a nectar source for homemade syrups: The flowers can be infused into syrups for use in drinks or as a sweetener.
- In potpourri: The delicate flowers and pleasant scent of Clustered Bellflower are great additions to homemade potpourri mixes.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Clustered Bellflower is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Clustered Bellflower is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Enduring love: The Campanula, commonly known as Clustered Bellflower, often symbolizes unwavering love and affection.
- Gratitude: This plant can represent the sentiment of 'thank you for everything,' making it a popular choice in gratitude arrangements.
- Constancy and perseverance: With its lengthy blooming period, Clustered Bellflower embodies staying power and the ability to overcome challenges.
- Humility: Its bell-shaped flowers that hang down are seen as a symbol of humility in their gesture of a bow or nod.
- Versatility: Campanula glomerata var. alba is known for its adaptability and natural spreading, signifying versatility in various conditions.
WaterThe Clustered Bellflower requires regular watering, especially during dry spells, to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. This might mean watering once or twice a week, depending on weather conditions. A good method is to provide a deep watering which might translate to about 1 to 1.5 gallons per plant, ensuring that the water penetrates deeply into the soil to reach the root system. During hot summer days, increase the frequency, but reduce watering during cooler, rainy periods to prevent overwatering.
LightClustered Bellflower thrives best in full sun to partial shade. The ideal spot for planting is a location where it can receive at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, but it can also tolerate some afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates. Avoid deeply shaded areas as this can impact the plant's flowering and overall health.
TemperatureClustered Bellflower is hardy and can endure a range of temperatures, typically surviving winter lows down to 0 degrees Fahrenheit and summer highs well above 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the ideal growing temperature for optimal performance is between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure the plant is protected from extreme temperatures, particularly from harsh winter winds.
PruningPruning Clustered Bellflower promotes healthier growth and more vigorous flowering. Deadhead spent blooms regularly to encourage additional flowering. Cut back the plant after the first flush of flowers to shape it and potentially trigger a second bloom. Pruning is typically done in late summer or early fall, after flowering has completed for the season. If the plant becomes too dense, thin it out by removing some stems at the base.
CleaningAs needed
SoilClustered Bellflower thrives in a well-draining soil mix that is rich in organic matter. A good recipe for the best soil mix includes garden loam, peat moss, and perlite in equal parts to promote healthy drainage and aeration. The ideal pH for Clustered Bellflower is slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.5.
RepottingClustered Bellflower typically does not require frequent repotting. It is best to repot this plant every 2-3 years, or when it becomes root-bound and crowded in its current container. Spring or early summer is the best time to repot, which is also when splitting larger clumps may be beneficial.
Humidity & MistingClustered Bellflower prefers average to above-average humidity levels; however, it can tolerate a range of humidity conditions. To maintain its best health and appearance, aim for a humidity level around 40-60%. Avoid placing it in extremely dry environments.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright indirect light, ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, ensure soil is moist but well-drained.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleThe cluster bellflower (Campanula glomerata var. alba) begins its life cycle from seed germination, typically occurring in spring when soil temperatures warm up. Once the seeds have sprouted, the seedlings grow into rosettes of basal leaves, preparing for vegetative growth. During the vegetative stage, the plant develops its root system and leafy stems, gathering energy for flowering. Flowering usually occurs in late spring to early summer, when the plant produces white bell-shaped flowers clustered at the top of the stems, hence the name cluster bellflower. After pollination, typically involving bees and other insects, the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed by wind or animals. As a perennial, the above-ground foliage dies back in the fall, but the plant survives underground through its root system and will re-emerge the following spring to start the cycle anew.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Early Summer
The Clustered Bellflower, with its scientific name Campanula glomerata var. alba, is most commonly propagated by division, which is generally carried out in spring or fall. This method involves carefully uprooting the plant and gently separating it into smaller clumps, ensuring that each division has a portion of the root system. Gardeners typically use a sharp knife or spade to split the root mass, then immediately replant the divisions in well-prepared garden soil rich in organic matter. Watering the newly planted divisions thoroughly helps to establish them in their new location. It is important for the divisions to have adequate moisture, but not to be waterlogged, to encourage healthy growth.
