Bellflower plants do have a spreading habit. One of the primary characteristics of Bellflowers is their ability to spread and form dense clumps over time. This can be both beneficial and challenging, depending on your garden’s design and maintenance preferences.
The spreading nature of Bellflowers is mainly attributed to their rhizomatous root system. Rhizomes are underground stems that produce new shoots and roots, allowing the plant to expand horizontally. As the rhizomes grow and spread, new plants emerge, creating a beautiful carpet-like effect in the garden.
Bellflowers are especially well-suited for ground cover purposes due to their spreading nature. The lower growing varieties, such as Campanula carpatica and Campanula portenschlagiana, make excellent ground cover options. They quickly fill in empty spaces, suppressing weed growth and adding color and texture to the garden.
However, it is important to consider the potential invasiveness of Bellflowers in certain situations. If you have limited space or prefer more controlled plant growth, it is advisable to choose clump-forming varieties or regularly divide and thin out the spreading varieties to maintain their growth in check.
In my personal experience, I have planted Bellflowers in various garden settings, including borders and rock gardens. The way they spread and fill in empty spaces is truly remarkable. I have used Campanula carpatica ‘Blue Clips’ as a ground cover option in a sunny area, and within a couple of seasons, it formed a beautiful carpet of lavender-blue flowers. It was a delightful sight and required minimal maintenance.
To summarize, Bellflowers do spread due to their rhizomatous root system. They can be an excellent choice for ground cover, adding color and texture to the garden. However, their spreading nature should be considered and managed appropriately to prevent them from becoming invasive or overpowering other plants.
