Spiked Bellflower

campanula spicata

Also known as: ["Spiked Canterbury Bells","Spiked Harebell"]

Family: Campanulaceae Genus: Campanula Category: Flowers

Overview

A herbaceous perennial with tall spikes of bell-shaped blue or purple flowers, native to Europe.

Benefits & Perks

["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","aesthetic foliage"]

Botanical Classification

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

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Flowers
  • Suitable Location: garden bed or container in a location with good air circulation
  • 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 ambient humidity is very low
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand; can also use cactus mix with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: After flowering; can also prune lightly in early spring to shape the plant.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of the plant if overgrown, but avoid heavy pruning during flowering
Care Details

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

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

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil conditions or improper watering.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
easy

moderate

Sunlight

full sun to partial shade

Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter harsh light; avoid placing near hot windows.

Watering

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

Water deeply but infrequently; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid wetting foliage.

Soil

well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter

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

Use pots with drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; topdress with compost annually.

Temperature

Prefers 60–75°F (15–24°C); cooler temperatures (50–60°F) during dormancy promote better flowering.

Avoid sudden temperature fluctuations; protect from drafts; maintain consistent room temperature.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)

Fertilize after watering to prevent root burn; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; stop fertilizing when plant is dormant.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings or division; stem cuttings are more common for home growers.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Dip in rooting hormone.
  4. Plant in moist medium.
  5. Cover with plastic to retain humidity.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain 70–75°F (21–24°C) and high humidity.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; can also root in water initially.

Hormone

Rooting hormone is optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots develop in 2–4 weeks; new growth appears in 6–8 weeks.

Tools Needed

Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic wrap, misting bottle.

Quick Tips

Use healthy, non-flowering stems; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; provide bottom heat if possible.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Deadhead spent flowers; trim leggy stems to just above a leaf node; shape the plant as needed.

Pruning Plan

Prune to maintain shape, encourage bushier growth, and remove spent flowers to prolong blooming.

Tools

Pruning shears, clean scissors, gloves.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune after flowering; remove dead or diseased parts; shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Early spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Choose a pot one size larger (1–2 inches wider in diameter) than the current one.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in a new pot with fresh soil; water lightly after repotting.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; may need repotting if growth slows or soil dries out quickly.

Checklist

Select appropriate pot; prepare fresh soil mix; 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, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; allow excess water to drain away; water in the morning to reduce 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 thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure pots have drainage holes.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

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

Cold Stress

Slows growth and flowering; may cause root damage if temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C).

Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots with bubble wrap; 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 sun hours; increase humidity with misting; ensure adequate watering.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check fertilizer label; dilute correctly; apply during active growth; avoid winter feeding.

Fertilizing Method

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

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Campanula spicata can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Campanula spicata is often a sign of water stress, either due to under or overwatering, which can lead to reduced turgor pressure and impaired nutrient uptake.

Leaf spots on Campanula spicata may be caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens, resulting in reduced photosynthesis and potential defoliation if left untreated.

Rotting, particularly root or stem rot, can occur in Campanula spicata due to excessive moisture or fungal infections, leading to decay of plant tissues and eventual plant death.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Campanula spicata is non-toxic to cats. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are necessary for growing this plant in areas accessible to cats.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Campanula spicata is not toxic to dogs. There are no documented adverse effects from ingestion or contact with this plant.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are necessary for growing this plant in areas accessible to dogs.
Humans
Non-toxic

Campanula spicata is generally considered non-toxic to humans. There are no known toxic effects or physiological impacts associated with ingestion or contact.

⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are necessary for handling or growing this plant around humans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How tall does Campanula spicata grow?

A: It typically grows to 60–90 cm (24–35 inches) in height.

Q: Does Campanula spicata require full sun?

A: It prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal flowering.

Q: Is Campanula spicata deer resistant?

A: Yes, it is generally deer resistant due to its texture and taste.

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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