Bats in the Belfry

Campanula trachelium (kam-pan-YOO-luh trak-EEL-ee-um)

Family: Campanulaceae Non-native Herbaceous (3-15 ft)

Nettle-leaved bellflower is an upright, showy, herbaceous perennial, native to Europe and Central Asia, and to the Mediterranean to Iran. Its native habitat is alkaline soils in woodland, scrubby grassland, and hedge banks of Europe. It has been naturalized in parts of Canada and the United States, and has been found along the roadsides in the States of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. It grows up to 3 feet tall and has coarse, nettle-like leaves and nodding, open bell-shaped, lilac flowers. It is a member of the bellflower family (Campanulaceae). The genus name Campanula originates from the Latin word campana , meaning bell, and refers to its bell-shaped flowers. The specific epithet, t rachelium, is derived from the Greek word trachelos , meaning neck. It was once thought that this plant could be used to treat a sore throat. It was also given the common name, throatwort, for the same reason. The common name, bats-in-the-belfry, originated from the flower stamens' likeness to bats in a bell tower. This plant prefers to be grown in fertile, moist, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade; however, part shade will result in the best flower color. The plants thrive best in cool summer climates; therefore, in hot summer conditions, partial shade, especially in the afternoon, is necessary. Deadheading spent flowers encourages reblooming. The plants spread by self-seeding. Propagation can be done by seeds using a cold frame in the spring. They may also be divided in the spring or fall. The nettled-leave bellflower has rich green, basal leaves that are cordate to ovate, and the stem leaves are ovate to lanceolate. Each leaf is deeply toothed and has bristly hairs. The flowers appear in racemes at the top of the stems and are somewhat tubular and bell-shaped, nodding, in shades of lilac to bluish-purple. Use this plant in mass in a naturalized area, or at the edge of the woods. It adds height and interest to borders, cottage gardens, or wildflower gardens.. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Monitor for snails, slugs, and aphids. May be susceptible to powdery mildew and rust

Source: NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox ↗ NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox, 62 attributes.