Fairy's Thimble

campanula cochleariifolia

Also known as: ["Campanula cochleariifolia 'Alba'","Campanula cochleariifolia 'Elizabeth Oliver'"]

Family: Campanulaceae Genus: Campanula Category: Flowers

Overview

A low-growing perennial with delicate, bell-shaped flowers and small, spoon-shaped leaves.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Asterales
Family: Campanulaceae
Genus: Campanula
Botanical Name: Campanula cochleariifolia

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: rock gardens, alpine troughs, or at the front of borders where it can spill over edges
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Outdoor Landscapers Wildlife Supporters
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"5–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
  • Misting: rarely required, only if grown in very dry indoor conditions
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; as needed to remove dead or damaged stems.
  • Pruning Intensity: Light to moderate; focus on deadheading and shaping.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade, especially in hot climates.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate gradually to intense sunlight; protect from harsh afternoon sun; adjust placement based on seasonal light changes.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Morning sun is ideal; avoid direct midday sun; rotate plant for even growth.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Water thoroughly but infrequently; ensure good drainage; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-draining, fertile, slightly alkaline soil

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure good drainage; avoid heavy clay soils; enrich with organic matter.

Temperature

Prefers cool to moderate temperatures (60–70°F or 15–21°C); thrives in cooler climates.

Keep away from heat sources; protect from frost; maintain consistent temperatures.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer), with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength

Fertilize sparingly; stop in late summer; use a balanced formula.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division of clumps.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take cuttings.
  2. Apply rooting hormone.
  3. Plant in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.
  5. Wait for roots.

Best Time: Early spring or after flowering when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light.

Medium

Peat-based potting mix with perlite for good drainage.

Hormone

Optional, but rooting hormone can improve success rates.

Timeline

Roots develop in 3–6 weeks; new growth appears in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, peat-based mix.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Snip stems just above a leaf node or lateral bud.

Pruning Plan

Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming; trim leggy growth to maintain shape.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Checklist

Sanitize tools; deadhead spent blooms; trim leggy stems; discard debris.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

One size larger pot; ensure it has drainage holes.

Method

Gently remove plant; trim roots if necessary; repot in fresh soil with good drainage.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound.

Checklist

Choose appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; avoid wetting leaves.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water at the base of the plant, allowing water to penetrate the root zone; ensure excess drains away; water early in the day to minimize evaporation.

Pro Tip: Use a watering can with a narrow spout to direct water to the roots without disturbing the soil surface.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in extreme heat; leaf drop or browning in cold stress.

Cold Stress

Slows growth; may cause root damage or dieback in prolonged cold or frost.

Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; avoid placing near drafty windows or doors.

Hot Stress

Leaves may scorch, wilt, or drop; flowering may be reduced in excessive heat.

Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but carefully.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring to early summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellowing leaves in Campanula cochleariifolia may indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or root rot, affecting the plant's overall health and photosynthetic efficiency.

Wilting in Campanula cochleariifolia is often a sign of water stress, either due to underwatering or root damage, which can lead to reduced vigor and potential plant death if not addressed.

Leaf spots on Campanula cochleariifolia may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthesis and aesthetic damage to the foliage.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Campanula cochleariifolia due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to plant decline and eventual death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Campanula cochleariifolia is not known to be toxic to cats. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested by felines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for cats around this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Campanula cochleariifolia is not known to be toxic to dogs. It does not pose a significant risk if ingested by canines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for dogs around this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Campanula cochleariifolia is not known to have toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in small quantities.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No specific safety precautions are necessary for human handling or consumption of this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I propagate Campanula cochleariifolia?

A: It can be propagated by division in early spring or by seed in late summer.

Q: Does this plant require full sun?

A: It prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun with adequate moisture.

Q: Is Campanula cochleariifolia deer resistant?

A: Yes, it is generally deer resistant due to its delicate foliage.

Quick Reference
Family: Campanulaceae
Care: easy
Light: full sun to partial shade
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","outdoor landscapers","wildlife supporters (attracts bees, butterflies, birds)"]
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