Campanulas

Campanula vidalii When we think of Campanulas, we often think of the well known 'Canterbury Bells' however their are many more varieties that are well worth considering for the UK garden.

A much loved cottage garden plant, Campanulas are a large genus with so many varieties and cultivars for sale are a must. Some are grown as species and a few of the Alpine types are real treasures. We of course have the modern hybrids as well. so when selecting Campanulas it pays to do a little reading first.

Some are wonderful garden plants, some are weeds. Campanula poscharskyana is a trailing variety while Campanula persicifolia although matt forming has flowers on upright spikes.

The unusual Campanula vidalii, pictured right is a little difficult in the UK, however we would argue that it is one of the really outstanding varieties, and well worth seeking out.

Flower colors ranging from white through to maroons and purples they are widely grown in border plantings and do well in containers as well.

The shape of the flower also varies, all are 'bell shaped' its just that they are shaped liked 'different types of bells'

So what we think of as 'Bellflowers' offer us a both the tall growing plants that has been grown in borders for many years as well as many more unusual varieties that can be successfully grown with a little care.

Care

In general they all require a sunny position and a humus rich well drained soil. They do like a little moisture in the spring and summer, but like most plants do not like to we waterlogged.

In warmer climates a little protection from the hot afternoon sun is desirable.

These are a spreading plant, with some species being a little more 'vigorous' than others. All can be pruned back hard in winter, and all can be deadheaded during the flowering season to promote a second flush of growth.

Propagation is by division in late winter to early spring or from seed.

Campanula Varieties

Campanula varieties are available fro sale from the following nurseries

MOUNT FOLLY NURSERIES phone : 01329 832294 :: 07000 M-O-U-N-T-F
Southwick Road North Boarhunt Near Wickham Hants PO17 6JH
Young plants specialists. Growing Fuchsias, Geraniums, Patio Plants and Plug Plants. One of the best selections available in the UK direct from the grower!
www.mountfolly.co.uk

TOUCHWOOD PLANTS - Carrie Thomas tel 01792 522443
Postal Address 4 Clyne Valley Cottages, Killay, Swansea, SA2 7DU
Unusual, rare and cottage garden plants. Extensive seed lists, also plants for sale. Specialist in aquilegias (granny's bonnets, columbines); including coloured leaf forms, scented ones and red and yellow doubles.
www.touchwoodplants.co.uk
BELLFLOWER NURSERY - ALPINE CAMPANULAS - phone: 07879644958
The Walled Garden
Langham Hall, Langham, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP31 3EE
Nursery in Georgian walled garden. Many alpine and herbac eous campanulas stocked plus exciting range of hardy plants, alpines, bulbs and shrubs. Thursdays, Fridays 10-5, Saturday 10-1pm.

WALNUT TREE GARDEN NURSERY - phone: 07879644958 01953 488 163
Flymoor Lane Rocklands Attleborough Norfolk NR 17 1BP
Offering a wide range of herbaceous perennials, ornamental trees, shrubs and old roses; includes rare varieties and species and well-loved classics; large plantsmans' garden.

CLAIRE AUSTIN HARDY PLANTS Hardy Plants - phone: 07879644958 01939 251173Edgebolton, Shawbury, Shropshire, SY4 4EL
We are mail order specialists of herbaceous perennials, including bearded irises, herbaceous & tree peonies. The catalogue and website list over 700 different varieties.

SPECIAL PLANTS - phone: 07879644958 01225 891686
Greenways Lane, Cold Ashton, Chippenham, Wilts SN14 8LA
Includes: Campanula incurva, Campanula ochroleuca, Campanula persicifolia, Campanula punctata, Campanula pyramidalis, Campanula takesimana, Campanula vidallii
Specialties: hardy Geraniums, Grasses, hardy Impatiens, conservatory plants, tender Impatiens, Salvias, Pelargoniums, Seeds, Gardening gloves, new introductions from around the world

BLUEBELL ARBORETUM and NURSERY - phone: 07879644958 *(01530) 413700.
Annwell Lane Smisby nr. Ashby de la Zouch Derbyshire LE65 2TA Owner: Robert and Suzy Vernon.
Opening hours: *March to October 9am. to 5pm. (Sundays 10.30am to 4.30pm),. November to February 9am. to 4pm. (Closed on Sundays) Includes: Campanula
Specialist mail order and retail nursery that grow and sell a huge variety of rare and unusual trees, shrubs, grasses, and herbaceous!

THE ALPINE AND GRASS NURSERY - phone: 07879644958 01775 640935
Northgate, Pinchbeck Spalding Lincolnshire PE11 3TB
Mail order and wholesale growers of alpines/rockery plants and ornamental grasses. Full catalogue online. Specialist large range. Discount to landscapers for mail order service.