Campanula portenschlagiana ‘Catharina’

Description

Campanula portenschlagiana ‘Catharina’, also known as Dalmatian bellflower, is a charming, low-growing perennial that features heart-shaped, mid-green leaves and beautiful lavender-blue bell flowers. This hardy, evergreen plant is a wonderful addition to gardens, providing vibrant colour and attracting pollinators like bees. Follow this comprehensive guide to ensure your Campanula portenschlagiana ‘Catharina’ thrives and blooms profusely year after year.

PLANTING and AFTERCARE GUIDE

Best Planting Time

• Spring: The best time to plant Campanula portenschlagiana ‘Catharina’ is in early spring when the soil starts to warm. This allows the plant to establish its root system before the summer heat sets in, leading to stronger growth and healthier blooms.
• Autumn: Planting in early autumn is also a great option for Campanula portenschlagiana ‘Catharina’. This allows the plant to settle into the soil before the colder months, encouraging strong root growth that will support the plant come spring.

Site Selection

• Sunlight: Campanula portenschlagiana ‘Catharina’ thrives in full sun to partial shade. Ideally, choose a location that receives around 4-6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In areas with hot summers, partial shade may help protect the plant from harsh midday sun.
• Soil: Well-drained soil is crucial for the health of your Campanula portenschlagiana ‘Catharina’. The plant doesn’t tolerate waterlogged conditions, so good drainage is essential to prevent root rot. Incorporating organic matter, such as compost, will improve both soil fertility and drainage, encouraging healthy growth.

Planting Instructions

1. Prepare the Hole: Dig a hole that is twice the width of the root ball and the same depth. This provides plenty of space for the roots to spread and establish themselves.
2. Soil Preparation: Mix compost or well-rotted organic matter into the soil to improve fertility and drainage. Campanula portenschlagiana ‘Catharina’ benefits from nutrient-rich, moist but well-drained soil to ensure optimal growth.
3. Planting: Place the plant in the hole so that the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil. Gently backfill the hole, firming the soil around the roots to remove air pockets.
4. Watering After Planting: Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil. Ensure the planting site drains well to avoid waterlogging. Campanula portenschlagiana ‘Catharina’ prefers moist soil, but not soggy conditions.

Watering Requirements

• Growing Season: Once established, Campanula portenschlagiana ‘Catharina’ is relatively drought-tolerant. Water during dry spells to keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering to ensure the roots don’t become waterlogged.
• Dormant Season: During the winter months, reduce watering significantly. Campanula portenschlagiana ‘Catharina’ requires little moisture while dormant. Only water if the soil becomes excessively dry.

Feeding

• Spring: In early spring, apply a balanced fertiliser to give your Campanula portenschlagiana ‘Catharina’ a strong start to the growing season. This will encourage healthy growth and promote more abundant flowers.
• Mid-Summer: A light feeding in mid-summer can help maintain your plant’s vigour and encourage continued flowering. Be sure not to over-fertilise, as this can result in excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.

Pruning

• Deadheading: Remove spent flowers regularly to encourage further blooming. Deadheading helps maintain a tidy appearance and ensures that the plant continues to produce vibrant lavender-blue bells throughout the summer.
• Autumn Pruning: After the final blooms have faded in autumn, cut back the plant to the ground. This will prepare the Campanula portenschlagiana ‘Catharina’ for dormancy and promote healthy growth in the following spring.

Mulching

• Spring: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips or compost, around the base of the plant in spring. This helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, promoting healthy growth.
• Winter: In colder months, a light layer of mulch will protect the roots from freezing temperatures and help the plant survive through the winter. This ensures that your Campanula portenschlagiana ‘Catharina’ will be ready to bloom again the following season.

Supporting the Plant

• Staking: Campanula portenschlagiana ‘Catharina’ is a low-growing plant and does not typically require staking. However, in areas where the plant may be exposed to strong winds, consider using a small support structure to prevent the stems from bending or breaking.

Final Tips

Campanula portenschlagiana ‘Catharina’ is a hardy, evergreen perennial that adds beauty and charm to any garden. By planting it in a sunny or partially shaded spot with well-drained, moist soil, and following the care tips outlined here, your Campanula portenschlagiana ‘Catharina’ will reward you with lovely lavender-blue flowers from early summer to August. This hardy plant attracts bees, adding to the natural beauty of your garden.

RHS Details

See more Campanula from Proctors