Family
The Campanula family has around 300 varieties. Generally speaking these are herbaceous perennials. Around ten varieties are grown as pot plants. Most Campanulas are perennials originating from the Mediterranean region and the mountains of the Balkans. Campanula isophylla comes from Italy.
Varieties
Campanula comes in the following varieties: carpatica, isophylla, portenschalagiana and poscharskyana. With proper care all the isophyllas will flower repeatedly (three weeks after the end of the previous flowering period), unlike the plants in the other group, i.e. Campanula carpatica, which will only flower again following cold treatment. Another difference is that C. isophylla is propagated from cuttings, while carpatica is propagated from seed. The type of flower is also different, isophylla has a flatter flower, which is more open and gives a better view of the stamens. Carpatica has a bell shaped flower, which is why the Dutch call it bell flower.
In recent years there has been an increase in the number of varieties and colours. This is the growers’ response to consumer demand. When new varieties are developed, special attention is paid to achieving the perfect blue colour as well as to increasing the number of buds. In the case of isophylla two paths have been followed. One has led to delicate, compact flowers and the other to increased robustness. The bicoloured Starina is the latest development. It is not always easy to differentiate between houseplants and garden plants and the criteria will vary from market to market.
Campanula is available from February to the end of September. The white and blue flowers of this plant generally appear in July and August. They are found on the market well beforehand as earlier flowering has been made possible by the use of assimilation lighting. In spring mostly blue cultivars are on sale and the peak period is between April and July.
Tips for care
During transport and storage:
- Restrict transport and storage to a minimum.
In the shop: - Look for plants with 10 to 15 open flowers for an excellent life expectancy as the plant can use its vitality to produce new buds.
- Campanula needs a great deal of light but dislikes full sun.
- Ensure that the soil remains moist throughout the growing period. The plant has a large evaporation surface, making it necessary to check the soil in the pot regularly.
In the home:- Campanula grows best at fairly cool temperatures (20°C or less).
- When Campanula has finished flowering it can be planted out in the garden. In our regions most varieties can survive outdoors all year.
- In the garden Campanula can tolerate both full sunlight and shade. Well drained, nutrient rich soil is important.
- Once it has been planted out the plant will take some time to settle and will flower from midsummer to autumn of the following year. From then onwards the plant will spread to create a beautiful carpet that will keep even tenacious weeds at bay.
- Keep the soil moist during the growing period. The plant has a large evaporation surface, making it necessary to check the soil in the pot regularly.
- Feed twice monthly during the flowering period.
- Deadhead regularly to encourage continued flowering.
- Campanula is a biennial plant. Store in a cool place in winter and water in moderation and the plant will flower again the following year.
Top 10 Campanula
(based on VBN sales in 2007)
1. Campanula poscharskyana Addenda Blue Star
2. Campanula portenschlagiana Addenda Blue Sky
3. Campanula poscharskyana
4. Campanula carpatica 'Pearl Blue'
5. Campanula carpatica
6. Campanula portenschlagiana
7. Campanula other
8. Campanula carpatica 'Blue Clips'
9. Campanula Starina Bicolor Star
10. Campanulaposcharskyana Addenda White Star
Sales and supply data Campanula
VBN sales (x 1,000 euro):
2007: 2,230
2005: 1,727
2003: 1,240
VBN supply
(x 1,000 plants):
2007: 1,775
2005: 1,505
2003: 1,298
Relevant Internet sites
www.beekenkamp.nlwww.campanula.comwww.addenda.dkwww.youngplants.bewww.okplant.nl
Explanation of the name
No information.
Symbolism
No information.
Product specifications
www.vbn.nl
Most popular colours
- Blue
- White
- Bicoloured
Significance on special day(s)
No information.
Additional information
Campanula operates on a modest market. Around 85% of European production originates in Denmark. A small group of specialised growers ensure regular sales, which serve a group made up mainly of regular customers.
Disclaimer
Although the greatest care has been taken in collating this information, the VBN accepts no liability for any kind of damage which is the direct or indirect result of actions and/or decisions based or partly based on the above information.
These products are intended exclusively for decoration and are not for consumption. Products may have damaging effects on humans and/or animals if improperly used, consumed or touched and/or in cases of over sensitivity.
