Campanula Flower: Meaning, Symbolism, and Colors
Campanula, also known as Bellflower, belongs to the campanulaceae family. The flower gets its name from its shape – a little bell. A campanula flower has five petals shaped like lobes and is about 1 inch long. Campanula flowers can be purple, pink, blue or white. The flowers grow in clusters on a slender stem. There are over 500 species of this plant which are annuals, biennials and perennials. Most varieties are ground huggers, while others grow up to 5 feet. Campanula is native to the Mediterranean region but can be found in North America and Asia as well. It is the national flower of Sweden.
Campanula can be found in open woods, meadows and near the banks of rivers. The plant can grow in shade as well. If you have a dark corner in your garden, you could fill the space with any color of bellflower. Campanula grows in chalky soil along the edge of woodlands. It likes soil that drains well and is moist. Depending on the species, Campanula thrive in the sun or shade.
Campanula is an herbaceous perennial and likes cool nights and moderate daytime temperatures. Flowers bloom in July and July. Some varieties flower till October. Bellflowers like slightly sandy soil which is rich in compost. A good layer of mulch in spring and autumn along with cured manure will help the plant thrive. Divide the plant clumps regularly to propagate and ensure good growth. Dwarf campanulas grow well in containers too. The same soil and light requirements apply.
Bellflowers can be grown from seed or rhizomes. If you plan to grow it using seeds, ensure that the soil is well prepared. Plant only in the spring when there is no chance of a frost. Campanula seedlings need moderate moisture till they are established. If you have rhizomes, dig them up after the flowering season is over. Separate the rhizome from the parent plant at the point of roots and plant in the soil.
This plant doesn’t require any special care. Like many perennials, Campanula is hardy and can tolerate extreme conditions and weather. If you want a lot of flowers, you can promote this by deadheading and removing seed pods. Cut the plant down in the late winter or early spring. This will make the plant grow better. If you don’t want this plant to take over your garden, remove the seedpods before they are able to disperse their contents.
What does the Campanula flower symbolize?
Campanula means bell-like, and it symbolizes maturity and attraction. It also represents gratitude, everlasting love and humility. In some countries, it is also associated with death. People plant bellflowers near or on gravesites.
What do the various colors of the campanula flower mean?
Campanula flowers are bluish purple, pink and white. With their pretty shape and color, a campanula plant adds interest and color to any garden. These plants thrive in slightly acidic and well drained soil. They are the perfect choice for any type of gardener – beginner or experienced.
White campanula flower meaning is gratitude.
Pink campanula flower meaning is delicacy, everlasting love, attraction and maturity.
Bluish purple campanula flower meaning is also everlasting love. It also symbolizes humility and remembrance of a person who has passed on.
Interesting facts and characteristics of the Campanula flower
· In Latin, Campanula means Bell. It describes the shape of the flower and hence the name.
· It is also called the Venus Looking Glass. According to myths, Venus owned a mirror and lost it. She asked Cupid to find it for her. He finds the mirror and drops it. Pieces of the shattered glass turn into campanula plants where the glass pieces touch the ground.
· There are over 500 species and subspecies of the campanula plant.
· Campanulas are hardy plants and can handle extreme weather conditions quite well. The amount of sun needed will depend on the region. Some species can handle shade well too.
· The campanula is a low maintenance plant and an ideal choice for those who are just starting out with gardening.
· The flower has five petals and a lovely shape.
· It is called Bellflower in Scotland. It is the national flower of Sweden.
· Campanula leaves can be eaten a substitute for spinach or parsnip.
· Campanula or bellflowers have featured in fairy tales like Rapunzel and even in poems.
· Chinese bellflowers are used in traditional medicine to treat conditions like coughs, sore throats, chest congestion and as a cough suppressant.
· Campanula contains a compound which is used to treat heart failure.
· Though the bellflower is not toxic to pets or people, if too much of it is eaten, dogs do get tummy upsets.
· If you want a stunning flower bed, consider pairing campanula with plants like columbine, lamb’s ear and lady’s mantle. You could even plant roses and have a beautiful landscape.
Best time to gift someone Campanula flowers
Now that you know the campanula flower’s meaning, you can gift it to anyone based on the occasion. If you are thankful for help you received for a project or something else, a white campanula is the perfect choice. Want to express your attraction to someone? Give them a bouquet with campanula flowers in it. If you want to express affection and remembrance for a person who has passed away, purple campanulas are a good choice. Since campanulas can be grown in pots too, a potted plant of any color campanula is an option for a housewarming gift.
Conclusion
Campanula is a good plant to have in a garden. Though the flowers may not have a fragrance, it is beautiful to look at. Combining it with other plants will help you have a spectacular garden and flowerbed. Campanula is also easy to grow in borders. This hardy plant is a great choice for gardeners of all levels. Campanula is also used in wedding bouquets to convey affection, love and constancy. To pick the right flower as a gift or for use in a bouquet, knowing the campanula flower meaning based on color is essential. They are great container plants as long as soil conditions can be replicated. Regular watering and full sun will help this plant thrive and make any gardener confident of his/her skills.
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