Campanula trachelium 'Bernice' (Bellflower) — Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species

Overview

Campanula trachelium 'Bernice' is a clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species perennial in the genus Campanula, part of the Campanulaceae family, with deciduous or semi-evergreen; basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves, narrower up the stem foliage. Campanula trachelium 'Bernice' grows best in full sun to partial shade, and tolerates loam and chalk or sand; most tolerate poor soils soils and neutral to alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5-H7. It is native to Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders and Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

About

Campanula trachelium 'Bernice' is a perennial bellflower selected as a garden cultivar. It forms basal rosettes of rounded to heart-shaped leaves with foliage becoming narrower higher on the stems. Suited to full sun or partial shade, it flowers through the summer. Flowering period runs June to September.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Campanula trachelium

About the genus

Campanula is the type genus of the Campanulaceae family of flowering plants. Campanula are commonly known as bellflowers and take both their common and scientific names from the bell-shaped flowers—campanula is Latin for "little bell".

Wikipedia contributors, "Campanula", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Campanula

In the garden

Campanula trachelium 'Bernice' is a clump-forming perennial in the Campanulaceae, originating from regions of Belgium and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. As a member of the Campanula genus it carries the typical rosetted lower leaves and progressively narrower leaves up the stem, and it is treated here as a summer-flowering perennial valued for its seasonal bloom. Flowers appear from June to September. Grow it in full sun to partial shade on loam, chalk or sandy soils; the species tolerates poorer ground provided it stays moist but well drained. Neutral to alkaline pH suits this plant. Alpine forms of Campanula need sharper drainage, but most garden cultivars, including 'Bernice', will manage in ordinary garden soil. Plant in any aspect except deep shade and it will cope in both exposed and sheltered sites. The hardiness ranges H5–H7 (hardy to fully hardy), so it is appropriate for most UK gardens without special winter protection. Use it in mixed herbaceous borders or naturalistic drifts where basal rosettes can be left undisturbed between seasons; its summer flowering provides a clear seasonal window from June to September.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Campanula

Sunlight: Full sun to partial shade
Soil type: Loam, chalk or sand; most tolerate poor soils
Soil pH: Neutral to alkaline
Soil moisture: Moist but well drained; alpine kinds need sharp drainage
Aspect: Any except deep shade
Exposure: Exposed or sheltered
UK hardiness: H5-H7

Plant details

Campanula trachelium 'Bernice' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type: Perennial
Habit: Clump-forming, mat-forming or upright depending on species
Foliage: Deciduous or semi-evergreen; basal rosettes of rounded or heart-shaped leaves, narrower up the stem
Native to: Belgium, Brussels-Capital Region, Flemish Region, Walloon Region, Flanders, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Campanula trachelium 'Bernice'

Cultivation: Undemanding given drainage and a reasonably open position. The taller border kinds are worth supporting early, since heavy rain will flatten a flowering stem and it will not lift again. Deadheading extends the season considerably, and the vigorous spreading species are best sited where they can run without swamping smaller neighbours.
Pruning: Cut flowered stems back to basal growth to encourage a second, lighter flush. Tidy remaining foliage in late autumn, or leave the rosettes intact over winter on alpine kinds.
Propagation: Divide in spring or autumn, and take basal cuttings in spring for named cultivars. Species come readily from seed sown fresh, and several self-sow where conditions suit.
Pest resistance: Slugs and snails are the real problem, particularly on emerging spring growth and on alpine rosettes.
Disease resistance: Generally healthy; rust and powdery mildew appear on crowded or drought-stressed plants.

Frequently asked questions

How do I grow Campanula trachelium 'Bernice'?

Undemanding given drainage and a reasonably open position. The taller border kinds are worth supporting early, since heavy rain will flatten a flowering stem and it will not lift again. Deadheading extends the season considerably, and the vigorous spreading species are best sited where they can run without swamping smaller neighbours.

Where is the best place to plant Campanula trachelium 'Bernice'?

Campanula trachelium 'Bernice' prefers full sun to partial shade. It suits exposed or sheltered positions.

What soil does Campanula trachelium 'Bernice' need?

Campanula trachelium 'Bernice' grows best in loam and chalk or sand; most tolerate poor soils soil. It prefers neutral to alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well drained; alpine kinds need sharp drainage.

How do I prune Campanula trachelium 'Bernice'?

Cut flowered stems back to basal growth to encourage a second, lighter flush. Tidy remaining foliage in late autumn, or leave the rosettes intact over winter on alpine kinds.

Is Campanula trachelium 'Bernice' hardy in the UK?

Campanula trachelium 'Bernice' has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.

How do I propagate Campanula trachelium 'Bernice'?

Divide in spring or autumn, and take basal cuttings in spring for named cultivars. Species come readily from seed sown fresh, and several self-sow where conditions suit.

More in the Campanula genus

Browse all Campanula →