Bells perennial: planting and care, types and varieties with photos. Bellflowers growing from seeds
Bluebell (lat. Campánula) is a genus of the most common herbaceous plants from the Bellflower family.
The family includes more than four hundred species growing in states with a temperate climate.
The bell grows in the Caucasus, Siberia, Asia, Europe, and also in North America. The bulk of natural forms are grown with great success by people in gardens, as it is decorative, winter-hardy and rather undemanding in care.
Selectively developed garden views bluebells have countless inflorescences and a wide color spectrum. However, they are more difficult to care for, because they make more claims to the conditions in which they grow.
However, if you do not pay attention to a little capriciousness, among most bluebells it is possible to find plants that will fit any landscape and climate zone.
Varieties of bells
An uncountable number of bells are divided into groups according to various criteria. By life expectancy - perennial and biennial bells, as well as a number of species are considered annuals.
Since there are over 300 species of this plant in the world, let's divide it into three large groups and talk about habitat, namely forest, meadow and mountain bluebells.
Did you know? In England, there is a belief that monks wore bells on their chests, and therefore they bring prosperity to the house. Thus, the flower is considered sacred.
Forest bluebells grow beautifully under trees, but there are an order of magnitude fewer of them, unlike sun-loving ones. The owners of forest plots, eager to ennoble their own land, can safely choose this category of bells. Shade-loving and shade-tolerant forest species include:
- - a shade lover, reaches a height of 1 m. The name was given in accordance with the shape of the leaves. The flowers of this species are quite large, broadly bell-shaped, racemose inflorescences and reach 4 cm in diameter.
There are also species that have double-shaped flowers. Flowering time can be defined as June-July.
- - just like the nettle-leaved bell, it is shade-loving. It is about 1.5 m high. It has straight leafy stems, as well as single flowers with basal leaves that are in a rosette. They are usually white or dark blue. The peak of flowering is in July.
- - a lover of the sun, but also shade-tolerant. Stems in length exceed 1 m. If we talk about what kind of bells are, then this species differs in a variety of garden forms. Usually the flowers blue color with racemes. The flowering period is from June to early autumn.
- - just like the peach-leaved bell, shade-tolerant and unpretentious. The height can vary up to 0.8 m. The flowers are usually bright blue, in large spherical inflorescences. The flowering period is all summer. garden forms this plant is different double flowers.
There are many meadow species who require areas with direct sunlight, as similar to the natural landscape as possible. The most interesting are the Crimean and middle bells.
- - a taxon that grows only in the Crimea. In height it can reach from 15 cm to as much as 50 cm. It has straight, thick stems and loose inflorescences of lilac flowers that grow on long pedicels.
- - one of the most popular species of this family. A pyramidal shrub less than 1 m in height. Most hallmark are pink flowers. The Cup and Saucer variety is considered decorative, the flowers of which are associated with a tea pair.
Mountain bluebells are considered the most sought after in the family, because crops such as rock gardens, rock gardens and rockeries have been popular for a very long time. Usually flowers grow at the foot of the Alpine mountains or on gravel-stony slopes.
This species can be divided into rocky and meadow. The most decorative are: Scheuchzer's bell, thyrsoid bell, birch-leaved bell, and Gargan bell.
- predominantly grows in alpine meadows. This is a rhizomatous perennial, the stems of which rise and reach a height of up to 30 cm. One or more flowers have a light purple color. It usually blooms all summer.
- - meadow biennial, up to 50 cm high. It has a thickened and straight stem. The leaves form a rosette, usually broadly linear and drooping. Cream and yellow flowers form a dense spike-shaped inflorescence. Flowering occurs in mid-summer.
- - grows in rocky cracks and reaches a height of up to 15 cm. Flower buds have a reddish color, and already opened flowers acquire snow-white coloring. Flowering occurs at the end of May and lasts more than a month.
- belongs to the rock species and can be grown in the dark. The bell forms a neat bush 15 cm high. blue-blue flowers in the form of an asterisk, they open only at the beginning of summer.
Did you know?Many different folk beliefs are associated with these flowers. According to one of them, the ringing of bells can be heard only once a year, namely in magical night on the eve of Ivan Kupala, and then admire the flowering all summer.
These species are all different and good in their own way. They should be planted in your area.
How to grow bluebells on your site
For decorative species plants that are quite common in gardening, growing, caring for and planting bluebells does not present huge difficulties, since this culture is basically unpretentious and can adapt to different conditions of existence.
However, conservation decorative form during the growing season and the size of the buds, long flowering and continuity of growth are possible only with the optimal creation of such conditions, under which all the features of agricultural technology for various species will be taken into account.
Watering and fertilizing the soil
A large number of plants prefer open and lighted places, however, some that grow in the forest belt develop better if they are in the shade. Even light-loving varieties of bluebell tolerate partial shade well, and also grow better in such conditions than in full sun.
Important! Bluebells do not like if water accumulates in the soil. In doing so, they may die.
For example, Campanula bluebell is dry-loving, but if hot and dry times come, it must be watered regularly. Forest species of this plant especially suffer from a lack of moisture.
As far as fertilizer is concerned, most bluebells do not need to be fed, but still it is desirable at least once in the spring, even before the shoots appear, to apply a little fertilizer with trace elements.
Such fertilizers can be purchased at any gardening store or department store. It is also necessary to pay attention to the composition.
Nitrogen should make up a larger percentage of the total mass of phosphorus and potassium. You can find out about this on the packaging.
Mulching and weeding the soil
Such care for bells as mulching should be done after planting the plant directly with a layer of about 5 cm. The procedure is also carried out in the fall in order to prevent freezing.
In order to stimulate the intensity of flowering, flowers that have faded are removed. No additional pruning is required for the bell.
Weeding is carried out in several stages:
flower transplant
It is necessary to carry out a bell transplant in autumn or spring. In early spring, after the snow melts, you can safely replant the bell, which has a powerful root system.
In the event that the bell's root system is undeveloped, it is better to transplant the plant when the soil warms up, namely in May. In autumn, it is better to transplant the bell in early September, so that the plant has time to take root before the onset of frost.
Asking how to plant bluebells with a compact, shallow root system, gardeners answer that it is best to plant (replant) a plant during flowering or during any other growing season.
Bells need to be transplanted with a small earthen lump, so as not to injure root system plants.
Important!The hole in which you are going to transplant the bell must be well watered, otherwise the plant may die!
bluebell breeding
In garden practice, a wide range of techniques is known, which is used to propagate the bluebell family. It is necessary to take into account some features, and then success will be guaranteed to you.
It should be noted that most bluebells grow in the mountains. They are difficult to cultivate on the plain, therefore, breeding and reproduction is possible only in extreme cases. An example is Campanella.
Reproduction of the bell can be carried out by dividing the bush, seeds, cuttings. At the same time, growing a bell from seeds is considered the most popular method.
The type of reproduction depends on various factors and biological characteristics of the plant, life form. For example, one-year-olds reproduce only by seeds, and two-year-olds reproduce by both seeds and cuttings.
seeds
With seed propagation, the collection of bluebell fruits begins when they turn brown, and until the pores open. After the procedure for drying the fruits, the seeds must be poured through open pores.
The seeds of the bell are very small, so they can be mixed with chalk, after rubbing it into small chips, or with washed sand. Bluebell seeds must be sown directly into the ground or seedlings must be grown in advance in order to be planted in a flower garden with the advent of warm days.
cuttings
Many species are propagated by cuttings. From February to May, cuttings are cut and three cuttings per cell are planted. The formation of roots at the bell is possible within 21 days. The cuttings are taken in the spring.
For more successful rooting, you need to use a fog spray setting.
The use of a film is also considered a forced decision in order to create high humidity, since bluebells are very demanding on humidity indicators during growth.
I'm calling you with a bell.
The heart is beating, and in the soul anxiety.
My beauty, I love you.
Reciprocate me, touchy!
Description and features of bells
From childhood, people know that the bell is cute. bluebell flowers lovely forest bells, reminiscent of a ringing bell in miniature.
The bell received the official name "campanula", which sounds like a bell in Latin. A long time ago, people said that on the feast of Ivan Kupala, the chosen ones can hear how a small flower makes a melodic sound.
bluebell flower color it can be traditional blue shades, as well as rare white, pink, lilac tones, and even have a completely rare shade of red.
You can see the bell in sunny meadows and fields, on forest edges. It is there that you can really meet bell meadows. When you see such an unpretentious plant, you want to put your ear to it and listen to what it sings about.
Thanks to the science of breeding, he is able to please the human eye not only in the meadow, but also in the home garden. bluebell has chosen the northern hemisphere of the planet, as well as regions with moderate climatic conditions. In the Russian Federation, the bell flower is traditionally considered the Russian national flower, girls weave wreaths from it and collect field bouquets.
Campanula flower belongs to the genus Campanula. This perennial flower gained popularity among amateurs and professionals. It can be found not only in fields and meadows, but also in the mountains. Flowers bells, like little fairies who came to us from good grandmother's tales.
Breeders long years carefully engaged in this, thereby creating more and more new varieties. Thanks to them, there are unique varieties of terry, edible and healing (healing) bells.
Photo of a bluebell flower cannot be left unattended. It has an incomparable inflorescence shape. It can be in the form of a brush or a kind of panicle.
Bellflowers vary in color and height of the peduncle. Low-growing selection bells will look perfect near, ponds and borders. Tall bluebell flowers can create a bright melody and harmony in any flower bed.
It should be noted that they meet unique varieties bells. big bell flower- will become a real master and treasure in any flower bed or in the front garden, it is he who will notify his owner about the guests who have arrived or about the approaching thunderstorm. With the onset of precipitation, dew drops appear on its leaves.
Always a priority bluebell flowers perennial plants. Once planting them on a personal plot, you can forget about everything on for a long time and just enjoy their crystal ringing. I would like to note that there are some bells brought to Red Russia.
In modern landscape design small and large bell became fashionable. Both go great with daisies and undersized phlox. In the language of flowers, the bell symbolizes humility and peace; it is appropriate to give such a bouquet to a young and innocent girl as a sign of purity and fidelity of feelings.
Types of bells
In fact, in nature there is not one, but many types of bluebell flowers.
Nettle - flower stalk of a plant up to about 0.8 meters. The inflorescence is pale white, blue, purple. Flowers are always collected with a brush. Distributed throughout Eurasia. It is called so because of the special leaves that look like nettles.
Milky-flowered - peduncle 1.2 meters high. The flowers are white, lilac and purple. Distributed on the territory of the sunny Caucasus.
In the photo, the bell is milky-flowered
Peach-leaved - reaches 0.9 meters. The inflorescences are usually large. The flowers are white, bluish, rarely double. Distributed throughout Eurasia.
Crowded bell - a tall beautiful flower, grows up to 1 meter. The flowers are white, blue and purple. Distributed throughout Eurasia.
broadleaf bellflower- a tall flower 1.5 meters. The flowers are large 6 cm in diameter. They grow on the territory of Eurasia, Altai and the Caucasus Mountains.
broadleaf bellflower
white bell is a very rare occurrence. Thanks to the work of breeders, this variety was bred. Bell White flower - a unique, very distinctive, perennial plant that gets along well in the garden and on the alpine slides.
Pictured is a white bell
The red bell is a completely rare plant variety; outstanding breeders have been working on its appearance for many years. Their labors were crowned with victorious success. red bell flower has shades of crimson, purple and lilac tones.
red bell flower
The bluebell is a common flower. Bluebell blue flower grows in forests and mountains household plots. It varies in height of the peduncle and the size of the flower itself. Considered an undeniable classic. Sung in many songs and poems.
Pictured is a blue bell
Varieties of bluebells
Carpathian is a very fashionable, undersized bell. Its flowers can be white or blue. Likes rocky slopes.
Carpathian bell
Gargansky - grows up to 15 cm. The flowers are pale blue, they have the shape of tiny stars.
Gargan bell
Spoon-leaved - reaches a height of 12 cm. The inflorescences are whitish and purple, small. Lives in Europe.
Pictured is a spoon-leaved bell
Pozharsky's bell is a bush plant 20 cm tall. The flowers are shaped like star clusters. The color scheme is lavender. It is common in southern Europe.
Pozharsky's bell
Handbag bell - cute undersized flower, bluish-lilac color. It grows mainly in Europe.
portenschlag bell
Bell dotted - 25 cm high. It has flowers of a pink hue. Geographically grows in the Middle and Far East.
In the photo, the bell is dotted
home bell- such a plant will decorate any southern window. Is ampelous plant. It happens in both white and lilac shades.
home bell
Planting and breeding bluebells
For competent landing bells, it is advisable to follow some recommendations and rules.
All bluebells require the maximum amount of sunlight and moderate watering, as excess moisture can lead to the death of the flower. They have enough rainfall.
Properly selected soil is a guarantee good flowering flower. Bluebells love lighter soils, clay soils are not suitable for such a pretty flower. If the soil is heavy, then humus or sand can be added to it. Complex soils must be added to poor soils.
A place for flowers must be selected before planting. The earth needs to be carefully dug up and brought wood ash. You need to make sure that there is no stagnation of water. Fresh manure can damage the roots (burn them), so you should not get carried away with it, but light compost will be just right.
Bluebells are propagated by dividing a large mother bush or by ordinary seeds. The rhizomes of an adult bell can be called a huge kindergarten, thanks to them many new ones are created from an existing root. Each gardener chooses the method that suits him.
Growing from seeds is more laborious, but maximally budget way. The flowering of the bell with this method occurs in the second or third years of life. Such seeds are not planted for seedlings.
They can be safely sown in open ground in late spring, in the absence of a threat of frost. There is a recommendation for sowing bell seeds before winter, but here you will need to cover the sowing sites with foliage, sawdust or coniferous spruce branches. The next year the flower will grow hardened, healthy and blooming profusely.
Caring for wind chimes
In care, each variety and type of bell is completely undemanding. It can safely be called simple plant. Moderate moisture and sunlight are all that natural bells will require from a person.
Even a novice lover will be able to keep this cute flower on his site. Undoubtedly, the flower will be happy with timely weeding and will gratefully respond to nourishing procedures with brighter and more abundant flowers.
The bell is considered healthy flower and he is not susceptible to any complex diseases. For the winter, the bells are cut with secateurs, leaving 5-10 cm from the root, they do not require shelter (with the exception of very rare and non-frost-resistant varieties).
You can buy the bluebell flower as seeds in a regular retail and online store, and the rhizome of this flower is actively sold at flower markets and horticultural shows.
The price of 1 package of seeds is from 35 rubles, the price of 1 small root depends on the variety, quality and ranges from 150-250 rubles. Plant a cheerful bell in your summer cottage and be happy!
Every self-respecting florist must have at least one alpine hill on his site. Design decoration alpine slides and caring for alpine plants is a whole science, from which it breathes magic and magnetism. Indeed, the creation alpine slides- a very exciting activity.
Delicate and graceful Carpathian bell is indispensable in creating fabulous beautiful compositions and is most commonly used in slides. The Carpathian bell forms dense bushes, which are strewn with large cup-shaped flowers from early June to September. An important advantage of the bell when used in landscape design is the many options for coloring flowers: classic blue, all shades of blue, soft white, different variations of purple. Bellflower is a perennial plant that does not require annual sowing.
Methods for growing Carpathian bellflower from seeds
Sowing seeds for seedlings is the most common way to grow a bluebell. The mass of 1000 bell seeds, depending on the variety, fluctuates around 1–0.25 g, which, with good germination, will allow you to get up to 4 thousand seedlings from each gram. To simplify sowing and get less dense and uniform seedlings, it is recommended to mix the seeds with sifted dry sand.
The seeds of the Carpathian bluebell are quite capricious and require thermal hardening for germination, so seed preparation and sowing should begin in February. Immediately after sowing, the seeds are kept for 3–4 weeks at a temperature of 20°C and uniform moisture under diffused light (through glass) with access fresh air. Compliance with all the listed microclimate parameters is equally important for successful seed germination. Premature shoots of "upstart" need to be transplanted into a separate box. Heating of seeds is replaced by thermal hardening at temperatures ranging from -4°C to +4°C. The duration of this stage is 4-6 weeks. In this case, the influence of natural environmental factors is desirable, but with the possibility of controlling the temperature with its strong decrease.
Favorable conditions for seed germination are created under a light snow cover: snow protects the seeds from freezing, and melt water on a sunny day provides the necessary moisture. The hardening period is extended if average daily temperatures are above the upper limit of the specified range. When the first shoots appear, containers with earth are transferred to a room with a temperature of 10 ° C to 15 ° C.
This method of provoking seeds to germinate is quite laborious, but effective.
There is another method, which is characterized by the following: the seeds are not sown in the ground, but are processed in a mixture with wet sand, placed in a plastic bag. The first stage - heating the seeds - is similar to the first method. The second stage - hardening - is carried out in the refrigerator with the same duration as in the first case. At the end of the second stage, the seeds are sown in prepared boxes with soil without deepening (the mixture with seeds and sand is simply evenly distributed over the substrate) and placed in conditions with a temperature of 10-15°C.
To avoid erosion of the seeds, moistening with a spray bottle is used instead of watering. It is possible to moisten the substrate along its microcapillaries through a tray with water. In any case, the substrate must be thoroughly moistened and saturated with water before sowing. After sowing, it is necessary to monitor the preservation optimal humidity and a sufficient level of illumination. Under optimal conditions, seed germination begins in 10–25 days.
Since the seedlings in any case turn out to be quite thick, the picking begins immediately after the appearance of the first leaves. In order not to severely injure the seedlings, transplantation can be carried out in groups of 3-4 plants in seedling pots or multi-cell plates. Young seedlings of bluebell prefer moderate moisture and frequent airing. The first top dressing with 0.2% fertilizers is carried out two weeks after picking, when the plants recover from stress and restore the root system.
Four-week-old seedlings are suitable for planting in a permanent place in open field. The site for the Carpathian bell should be well lit, ventilated and not be prone to waterlogging. Otherwise, the oppressed plant will be subject to various diseases.
Ways of vegetative propagation of the Carpathian bluebell
Along with seed propagation of the bell, there are also vegetative methods: dividing the bush and cuttings. The use of these methods allows you to increase the number of plants in the summer and autumn period. Also at vegetative reproduction the possibility of cross-pollination and splitting of traits is excluded, therefore, obtaining an identical planting material and transfer of all varietal characteristics.
Division
The division of 3–5-year-old bell bushes is carried out in the first days of May or in the second half of August (at the beginning or at the end of the growing season). The mother plant is dug up, all shoots are cut off (to minimize the transpiration of water from the plant and improve rooting), the rhizome is cut into parts, which, in turn, are planted in pre-prepared shallow holes, while avoiding excessive deepening. If it is necessary to divide the mother bush into too small parts, they are grown in containers using liquid fertilizers.
cuttings
The forcing of Carpathian bluebell plants for cuttings takes place at a temperature of 10°C. The cuttings are cut 2–3 cm long with one or two buds. Favorable terms for cuttings of the bell are confined to the spring months and are quite extended, which makes it possible to obtain a significant amount of planting material.
Rooting of the cuttings is going well enough, the roots are fully formed on the 21st day. Planting of cuttings is carried out in multi-cell plates with 3 cuttings in each cell. The substrate for cuttings is prepared from earth, sand and humus in equal amounts, after planting the cuttings, the surface of the substrate is covered with sand in a layer of several centimeters. Sand absorbs moisture well and retains it, while remaining loose and aerated, which favorably affects young roots. Optimum conditions for rooting are created by a fogging device (fine moisture) under a plastic film.
Vegetative propagation methods significantly accelerate the flowering of the bell.
Carpathian bell, when viewed mature plant, can be considered unpretentious. Regular watering, standard universal flower fertilizers and periodic weeding with loosening of the soil - this is perhaps the whole range of measures for caring for the Carpathian bluebell. The most time-consuming and responsible way is to grow the Carpathian bellflower from seeds, and this way is only advisable if you want to start a new rare variety. For propagation of existing varieties, it is much easier to use vegetative methods.
Among the huge number of wild plants that people have long cultivated in their garden plots, the peach-leaved bell is very attractive. Growing this culture is within the power of even beginner flower growers due to its unpretentiousness.
Description
This type of bluebell got its name for the similarity of its leaves with peach leaves. They are narrow, elongated, dark green in color, with jagged edges. The peach-leaved bellflower is a perennial brush-rooted plant, found mainly in the forest edges of Europe, Western Siberia and the Caucasus. Strong stem rising from the socket large leaves, can reach 100 cm in height and ends with a one-sided inflorescence collected in a brush.
Flowers up to 4 cm in size have a different color depending on the variety - white, blue, blue, purple. The flowering period begins in June and lasts almost all summer. By September, instead of flowers, boxes with numerous seeds are formed.
Benefits of a bell
Many gardeners strive to grow a peach-leaved bell on their site, the description of which is given above. They are attracted not only by the beautiful and unique appearance this flower, but also its undeniable merits. They include quite a large varietal diversity, allowing the bell to be widely used as a single decorative element in the garden, and in various compositions.
This plant is very unpretentious, quite resistant to various natural phenomena. It can easily endure both prolonged drought and prolonged rains, withstands nighttime drops in temperature and even slight frosts. Grows well in loamy soils, which most flowering garden plants cannot tolerate.
Selecting a landing site
Growing a peach bell is not something burdensome. The main thing is to choose a suitable place for it, where the plant will be comfortable. This will minimize the effort to care for him.
The site for planting this light-loving crop must be chosen well-lit, but it is better if the sun's rays fall on it only in the morning, otherwise the flowering period will not be long.
The soil must be well developed. The peach-leaved bell feels good on loose loam enriched with humus. Stagnation of moisture in the soil is detrimental to this plant, so an elevated site or a well-drained site is most suitable.
Soil preparation
The soil for planting must be prepared in advance, digging the site to a depth of 30-40 cm. If the soil is heavy, clayey, then sand and peat are added to it. Soils that are loose and poor in composition are enriched with humus, soddy soil and fertilizers are applied (50 g of superphosphate and 30 g of potassium sulfate per 1 square meter). With fertilizer, you should be more careful - its excess can adversely affect the winter hardiness of flowers.
In no case should fresh peat and manure be used as top dressing. This provokes the development of fungal diseases, which are then very difficult to get rid of.
Features of care
Despite not at all whimsical plant is a peach-leaved bell, planting and caring for it require compliance with certain rules. Like any other garden culture, this flower needs watering, loosening the soil, cleaning weeds and top dressing. From a lack of moisture, the leaves may become smaller, and flowering stops. It is necessary to water the bell on hot and dry days, but moderately.
To avoid stagnant water, which this plant is so afraid of, and to ensure oxygen access to the roots, it is necessary to systematically loosen the soil and remove weeds.
In the spring, when the snow melts, fertilizing with nitrogen fertilizer is carried out, also adding additional humus or compost under each bush. During the budding period, complex mineral fertilizers at the rate of 15 g per 1 sq. meter.
In order for the peach-leaved bell to please with its abundant flowering for a long time, the faded shoots are pruned by about one third. And in the middle of autumn, the aerial part of the plant is completely cut off and the soil surface is mulched with compost. Most of these colors are resistant to low temperatures and do not require shelter for the winter, with the exception of some southern varieties.
Growing from seed
This plant propagates in different ways - by seeds, dividing the bush, cuttings. The vegetative method is used most often, but in order to improve the planting material, it is recommended to periodically grow a peach-leaved bell from seeds. They are harvested from the fall, when the boxes ripen, acquiring a brown color, and mixed with sand. Seeds can be sown directly into the ground in autumn or spring. The shoots that have appeared are then thinned out, and when the third true leaf appears, they dive, seated in a checkerboard pattern.
Growing seedlings
Seeds for seedlings are sown around the middle of spring in greenhouses or in a container that is placed indoors. The soil for planting is prepared in advance from the mixture sod land, stale peat and river sand in equal parts. After some time, after about 12-15 days, when the peach-leaved bell will give the first shoots, caring for it is not difficult.
Seedlings are watered through a strainer and very gently loosen the soil. Already at the end of May, when warm weather sets in, they can dive into the garden. And only in August young plants are planted in a permanent place. At the same time, it is very important to observe the interval between them - it should not be less than 30-40 cm.
By autumn, a rosette of leaves develops, and flowering can only be expected for the next season. For the winter, the bell is covered with fallen leaves or peat with a layer of 10-15 cm.
Vegetative reproduction
Not only with the help of seeds, you can grow a peach bell. It can also be propagated by cuttings or dividing the bush. These methods allow you to save all the properties of mother plants. Green lignified cuttings are cut in the spring, placed in a greenhouse, buried in the sand. Rooting occurs faster if conditions are created with high humidity, for this you can use a fogging installation. The following year, the plants are planted in a permanent place.
By division, bushes are propagated that are at least 3 years old. This is best done in the fall. Having dug up the plant along with a large clod of earth, cut off its aerial part, and the root system is carefully divided into several parts. Each division should have a sufficient amount of roots and a renewal point. New plants are planted immediately in a permanent place, watering abundantly with water. Planting a peach-leaved bell by dividing helps to preserve this culture for many years. Sometimes gardeners breed bluebells with the help of root cuttings.
If these plants are transplanted in autumn into pots, which are placed for the winter in a cool room where there is enough light, then in the spring they can bloom. To do this, in February, the flowers are transferred to a warmer place and they are periodically sprayed and watered.
Diseases and pests
Bell peach belongs to a group of plants that are quite resistant to various fungal diseases. But perennial cultivation it in one place contributes to the accumulation of pathogenic microorganisms, which often lead to the death of the plant. The most common pathogens are the fungus botrytis, fusarium and sclerotinia. In the fight against them, the treatment of the soil and the plant itself with a solution of "Fundazol" helps. It is carried out twice - in spring and autumn. You can avoid fungal diseases if you transplant flowers every 4-5 years to a new place.
Among insect pests, the most dangerous are drooling penny and slugs attacking the plant in wet weather. To destroy them, gardeners advise using superphosphate, scattering it near the base of the stem, as well as spraying with a decoction of capsicum or garlic infusion.
With all these simple recommendations, it can become a real decoration garden plot such unpretentious flower like a peach-leaved bell (planting and care, photo flowering plants and methods of reproduction are given in this article).
Use in landscape design
The bell is in perfect harmony with many garden plants- mallow, carnation, ferns, cosmea and others. It is suitable for both single landings and group landings. Looks beautiful against the background of greenery any peach-leaved bell - white, blue or purple. Being an excellent honey plant, the bell will be useful in every garden. Bouquets of cut flowers retain their exquisite beauty for a very long time.
Campanula (from lat. Campanula) is a large genus of plants, which includes about 400 species. All of them have bluebell flowers: modest but attractive. Campanulas are distributed throughout Europe, the territory of Russia, and are found even in North America. These plants adorn both shady forests and alpine slopes. Will they have a place in the garden?
Bluebells are exclusively herbaceous plants; in the wild, perennials are predominantly common. But There are biennial and annual species. All of them are united by a special form of flowers collected on the stem, for which they got their name (campana - bell). Petals can be painted in shades of blue, blue, purple; there are species with snow-white flowers.
Garden campanula has long stems that creep along the ground. A variety of plant varieties have been bred including with double flowers, interesting colors. They exude a pleasant and unobtrusive aroma with sweet notes, which intensifies in the evening.
How to grow bluebells (video)
Description of the types and varieties of the bell (garden campanula)
A wide range of species allows you to beautifully design the site. Campanulas look good in common flower beds, because their delicate flowers blend perfectly with other inhabitants of the flower garden. Ampel varieties decorate flowerpots. You can choose a plant to your taste, which will organically fit into the overall concept of the design of the territory.
peach-leaved bellflower
A perennial herbaceous plant, the shoots of which can reach a length of 80 cm. Blooms from early summer to August inclusive, pale blue or white bells. The leaves are shaped like peach, which is why the species got its name. On the basis of it, decorative varieties, for example, "Bernice" with terry inflorescences, which are upright panicles.
Carpathian bell
This species is distinguished by low, but well-branched stems. Therefore, the plant looks lush and compact. Flowering continues until September, decorating the flower bed all summer long. The color of the bells depends on the variety: it can be snow-white, blue, light purple.
The peach-leaved bell blooms from early summer to August inclusive
Terry campanula
Terry views will definitely not go unnoticed on the site. Their lush bushes are strewn with voluminous bells, the edges of which seem to be decorated with carvings by a skilled craftsman. At the same time, flowers can fit on one bush different shades which adds originality to the plant. High decorative properties became possible thanks to selection work: terry varieties campanul - hybrids.
Bell brittle
He is also called the "groom". The birthplace of the brittle bell is distant Sicily. Long ampelous shoots are decorated with small leaves of deep green in the shape of a heart and blue flowers.
The birthplace of the brittle bell is distant Sicily
Campanula lactiflora
This is a tall plant with numerous stems (their number can reach 20), forming lush bush. Bells can be both monophonic and two-color. In addition to size, the species has another important advantage: resistance to adverse conditions. It tolerates summer droughts and severe frosts with dignity.
Portenschlag Campanula (C. portenschlagiana)
Dwarf perennial bell, the height of the shoots of which does not exceed 15 cm. But the width of the bushes is up to 35 cm, and they form delicate flowering "pillows". It comes from the Balkan Peninsula.
Bellflower lactiferous has resistance to adverse conditions
Campanula isophylla (Campanula isophylla)
The plant has vernacular name"bride". Blooms predominantly with white bells., although there are varieties with an unusual sky and purple color. Stems thin, creeping. Like the "groom", the "bride" is often grown indoors, placed in hanging pots.
broadleaf bellflower
In the wild, this is a field and forest plant, less often it is found in the mountains. The height of its stems is from 70 to 90 cm. The species is listed in the Red Book because it is on the verge of extinction in the wild. It has modest but pretty flowers, painted in Blue colour with a purple tint.
The broadleaf bell is listed in the Red Book because it is on the verge of extinction in the wild
Bell dotted
A distinctive feature of this species are the inflorescences of bells, lowered down, and decorated from the inside with small dots on the petals. Blooms in the garden until September. The plant is quite unpretentious. Variety "Pantalunus" has double drooping flowers of large size in the shape of a glass.
Other types of bell
There are other types of bells that can be planted on the site:
- Long-column: height does not exceed 30 cm, so it is well suited for borders. Bluish flowers are collected in brushes.
- Saxifrage: a low-growing plant with purple flowers. The height is not more than 5 cm.
- Pyramidal: Tall perennial with thick stems strewn with inflorescences.
- Poskharskogo: ideal for alpine hills, because its bushes spread along the soil. Blooms from May to autumn.
- Sarasto: has a medium height stem and large bell flowers purple looking down.
- Sarmatian: rare view whose homeland is the Caucasus. Loves the sun. Bells exude a pleasant honey smell.
- Thyrsoid: a rather exotic looking plant, because it has a dense cone-inflorescence, the height of which can be up to 70 cm.
Gallery: Campanula, or bell (25 photos)
Varieties of bells (video)
Growing a bell from seeds in the garden and at home
All types of bluebells, both perennial and annual, are propagated by seeds. This is a fairly simple way, and the process will not be difficult even for those who have recently started decorating their site. garden campanula Suitable for growing in boxes or hanging planters on verandas, balconies, in gazebos.
Bluebell seeds usually have good germination if properly harvested and stored. They don't need any pre-training before boarding. The main thing is that they are healthy: without signs of rot and other diseases, unpleasant odors.
The easiest way is to plant the seeds directly into the ground. Usually this is done in May or October "before winter". It is necessary to make grooves, taking into account the distance between the rows and based on the dimensions of the selected type of bell. In the spring, seedlings can be thinned out and transplanted as desired. But perennial varieties may not please this year with their beautiful flowering.
The easiest way is to plant bell seeds directly into the ground
If you want the campanulas to bloom already in the coming summer, you will have to take care of the seedlings in March or April. Seeds are simply scattered evenly over the soil in a container. It is better to choose a light substrate with good water permeability. For example, a mixture of turf, humus soil and sand in a ratio of 3:6:1 is well suited. The soil must first be moistened. Bell seeds are lightly pressed into the ground, sprayed with a spray bottle; and then the container is covered with polyethylene, creating the effect of a greenhouse. Ideal Temperature– 20°C. Shoots will appear after 14 - 20 days.
After that, you can remove the film, and put the container on a bright windowsill. But it is important to take care that bright sunlight does not fall on young plants. Seedling care consists in timely watering, if upper layer the earth becomes dry. When 2–4 full-fledged leaves develop, you should make a pick and plant the bells so that there is 8–10 cm between them. Each plant will have enough space for development. When transplanting, use a complex fertilizer diluted in a low concentration.
If you want the campanulas to bloom already in the coming summer, you will have to take care of the seedlings in March or April
Equifoliate bell: features of care in room conditions
The bell is equal-leaved - this is an incomparable "bride". Two or three decades ago, such a houseplant could be found in every home, and today its popularity has undeservedly waned. It’s a pity, because the “bride” successfully combines beauty and unpretentiousness.
The equal-leaved campanula loves good lighting, but her tender leaves and flowers do not tolerate scorching sunlight. Therefore, if the pot is on the south side, you will need to create artificial shading or place it near the window on a bedside table or a special rack. The north is also not suitable for growing, because bluebells will lack the sun, flowering will stop, and their stems will stretch out, becoming unattractive. Perfect option- east and west window of the house. In the warm season, the “bride” can be taken out to an open balcony or garden.
The bell is equal-leaved - this is an incomparable bride
Like all plants, Campanula equifolia needs enough moisture. She needs moderate watering, in summer - more often, in winter - less often; but the earth ball must never dry out completely. Excess water is also highly undesirable, because it provokes root rot. Wherein experienced growers share information with each other that campanula tolerates watering well tap water without upholding.
In the warm season, especially in the summer months, the flower is sprayed with a spray bottle. It is desirable that the drops do not fall on the bells themselves (ugly spots may appear on them). Therefore, you should raise the pot and refresh the shoots "from the inside", from the bottom side. If the air in the room is very dry, then the pot can be placed in a tray filled with moistened moss or small pebbles.
The equal-leaved campanula loves good lighting, but its delicate leaves and flowers cannot stand the scorching sun.
Garden bell: planting and care technology in the open field
Seedlings are planted on the border of spring and summer: in the last decade of May or early June. You need to choose a place so that the seedlings receive the required amount of sunlight. Shade-loving species are distinguished by the dark green color of the leaf plates. Therefore, you need to choose an open place so that bushes, trees, fences, walls of the house do not block them from the sun.
The soil must first be prepared: dig well, remove weeds and the remains of their roots, apply fertilizer. If the soil is heavy, then humus and sand can be added to the flower garden. But manure and peat are not recommended to be applied, because they can provoke a defeat of the campanula by a fungus.
When planting low bells, it is enough to keep a distance of 10 to 15 cm between plants, for medium-sized ones - about 25 cm, and for species with long stems - at least 50 cm. When the plants are planted, it remains to trample the soil around them and thoroughly spill it with water.
Shade-loving types of bells are distinguished by the dark green color of the leaf plates.
In nature, there are plants that look like bells. But, according to the botanical systematization, they belong to other families, and sometimes belong to different classes.
So, the Chilean bell, which is officially called Lapageria, belongs to monocots. Represents a creeper strewn large flowers. In the wild, it grows only on the slopes of the Andes in Chile.
How to grow indoor bell (video)
Looks like bells:
- Digitalis is a herbaceous perennial, some species of which are used for decorative and medicinal purposes. Some of them are poisonous, so they are not planted where children walk.
- Gentian is also usually decorated with blue bells, less often - snow-white or yellowish. She, like campanula, is planted in flower beds.
- Gloxinia is a houseplant with voluminous "gramophones" of various colors.
- Petunia is a popular flower that adorns gardens and balconies.
- Ipomoea - bindweed with colorful bells.
Estimate
