Cream Bellflower Campanula ochroleuca
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as the Milky Bellflower features a basal rosette of leaves from which emerges a display of graceful, bell-shaped flowers that are a creamy white to pale yellow in color. The foliage is typically heart-shaped to lanceolate, with a texture that can range from smooth to slightly hairy. As the flowering stalks rise, they bear these elegant, pendulous blossoms that may be clustered or spaced individually along the stem. The leaves up the stem tend to be smaller and more narrow than the rosette leaves at the base. This plant exudes a delicate and soft aesthetic, with its pastel-hued flowers providing a gentle splash of color in the garden setting.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Campanulaceae
Synonyms
Cream Bellflower, Cream-Coloured Bellflower, Pale Bellflower
Common names
Campanulastrum ochroleucum, Symphyandra ochroleuca
ToxicityTo humans
The Cream Bellflower (Campanula ochroleuca) is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There is no widespread evidence of severe poisoning or dangerous effects from ingesting this plant. However, it is always recommended to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants not known to be edible, as they may cause mild stomach upset or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
To pets
The Cream Bellflower (Campanula ochroleuca) is also not widely known to be toxic to pets such as cats and dogs. It is not typically listed among the plants that are hazardous to pets. However, as with humans, consuming non-edible plants can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort, so it is advisable to prevent pets from ingesting this plant to avoid potential stomach upset.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Creamy-yellow
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
Eastern Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Campanula ochroleuca, known as Creamy Bellflower, is valued for its appealing bell-shaped flowers that add aesthetic beauty to gardens and landscapes.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its flowers can attract beneficial pollinators such as bees and butterflies, enhancing the health of the surrounding environment and aiding in the pollination of other plants.
- Easy to Grow: The Creamy Bellflower is known for being relatively easy to cultivate in a variety of soil types, making it accessible to many gardeners.
- Drought-Tolerant: Once established, it exhibits a degree of drought tolerance, reducing the need for frequent watering and making it suitable for xeriscaping.
- Ground Cover: The plant can be used as ground cover due to its spreading habit, helping to reduce weed growth and soil erosion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Candle holder decoration: The dried flower of the Milky Bellflower can be used to create decorative elements for candle holders, enhancing their visual appeal.
- Bookmark embellishment: Pressed Milky Bellflower blooms can be laminated and used as ornamental bookmarks.
- Fabric dye: The petals of the Milky Bellflower can be used to produce a natural dye for fabric, giving it a soft, unique color.
- Edible flower garnish: The flowers can be used as a delicate edible garnish for salads and desserts, adding a mild flavor and a touch of elegance.
- Photography prop: The flowers and plants can serve as an attractive prop or backdrop for photographers, especially in portraits or macro photography.
- Craft projects: The flowers can be incorporated into various craft projects, such as creating floral wreaths or decoupage art.
- Botanical illustration: Artists may use Milky Bellflower as a subject for botanical illustrations due to its distinctive shape and color.
- Culinary experimentation: The flowers can be used to infuse syrups, giving a floral note to cocktails and other beverages.
- Seed collection and swap: Gardeners might collect seeds of the Milky Bellflower to swap with other enthusiasts, promoting biodiversity and sharing beauty.
- Wedding confetti: Petals of the Milky Bellflower can be dried and used as natural, biodegradable confetti for weddings and celebrations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Campanula is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Campanula is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Gratitude: Campanula flowers, commonly known as bellflower, often symbolize gratitude, with their bell-shaped blossoms seeming to echo the sentiment of thanks.
- Constancy and Perseverance: Due to their ability to grow in challenging conditions and return year after year, bellflowers are also associated with constancy and perseverance.
- Enduring Love and Affection: The bellflower's long bloom time and its endearing shape are often viewed as symbols of enduring love and affection in the language of flowers.
- Unwavering Hope: The upturned growth of the bell-like flowers can be seen as a metaphor for optimism, representing unwavering hope amid life's challenges.
WaterCream Bells should be watered moderately, ensuring the soil is kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. In general, this means watering once or twice a week, depending on the climate and the time of year. During the active growing season in spring and summer, water with approximately 1 gallon every week. In the fall and winter, reduce watering to every other week or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It's important to use a watering can or a gentle stream from a hose to avoid disturbing the soil or damaging the foliage.
LightCream Bells thrive in conditions where they receive full sun to partial shade. This plant will do best when placed in a location where it receives morning sunlight and is shielded from the intense afternoon sun. An east or north-facing spot where the plant can enjoy bright but indirect light throughout the day is ideal.
TemperatureCream Bells prefer a temperature range between 50°F and 70°F. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 40°F and a maximum of about 80°F, but for optimal growth, keeping them within this ideal range is best. It's crucial to protect the plant from extreme temperatures and frost, especially during the winter months.
PruningPruning Cream Bells is crucial for maintaining their shape, encouraging bushier growth, and improving airflow among the leaves. Prune in the early spring before new growth begins, removing dead or damaged stems and shaping the plant as desired. Pruning can be done again after flowering to remove spent blooms and encourage a second flush of flowers. Regular deadheading during the blooming season also keeps the plant tidy and can prolong blooming.
CleaningAs needed
SoilCream Bellflowers thrive in well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. A mixture of peat, loam, and sand is ideal to ensure adequate nutrient content and drainage.
RepottingCream Bellflowers should be repotted every 2-3 years to prevent root crowding and to replenish their soil with nutrients essential for their growth.
Humidity & MistingCream Bellflowers prefer moderate humidity levels but are adaptable to various conditions as long as they are not too dry.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Cream Bellflowers in bright, indirect light and ensure good air circulation.
Outdoor
Choose a spot with partial shade and protect from strong midday sun.
Hardiness zone
3-8 USDA
Life cycleCampanula ochroleuca, commonly known as Creamy Bellflower, begins its life cycle as a seed, which after dispersal, lies dormant until conditions are suitable for germination. Upon germination, the seedling emerges and develops into a rosette of basal leaves during its vegetative stage of growth. As the plant matures, it undergoes vernalization, which is a required period of cold to initiate flowering. Following vernalization, the Creamy Bellflower enters its reproductive phase, producing tall stalks with cream-colored, bell-shaped flowers that are capable of attracting pollinators such as bees. After pollination, the flowers produce fruit in the form of capsules containing numerous small seeds, which are then dispersed by wind or animals to complete the cycle. The plant is a perennial, allowing it to live and repeat this cycle for several years, typically dying back to its root system during the winter.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-early summer
Propogation: The ideal time for propagating Cream Bellflower (Campanula ochroleuca) is in late spring or early summer, when the weather is mild and there is less risk of extreme temperatures affecting the young plants. The most popular method of propagation for this species is by division. To do this, carefully lift an established clump from the ground and gently tease apart the roots to create smaller sections, each with a piece of the crown and roots intact. These sections can then be replanted immediately in well-prepared soil, ideally spaced about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Ensure that they are watered well after planting and keep the soil moist through the growing season to encourage establishment.
