Botanically, most species of bluebells are perennials, although a few campanula are annual or biennial. Perennials offer the gardener a whole range of advantages, but they also need a nurturing hand.
Bluebells are perennials that thrive both outdoors and in pots as perennials
What are perennials?
From a horticultural point of view, the term "perennials" applies to herbaceous plants that last for several years and whose above-ground parts usually die off in autumn, while the rootstock, protected by the soil, overwinters. However, it is not necessary for the upper parts to die off, because some perennials - including bluebells - overwinter without the leaves dying off.
Perennials need a lot of care
Many a garden lover is of the opinion that perennials only have to be planted and then left to their own devices. As the example of the bellflower shows, this is simply wrong. Perennials also need care, compared to some trees and shrubs even a lot of care. This includes, for example, that faded shoots have to be cut off, otherwise the plant has to use too much energy to form seeds and flowers less, but also regularly loosening the soil, weeding - unless you use the bellflower as ground cover - and that Fertilize. In addition, you should take perennial bluebells out of the ground after about three to five years, rejuvenate them by dividing them, and replant them.
Caring for the bluebell perennials depends on the species
However, when it comes to perennial care, you need to keep an eye on the specific type of your bluebells: some bluebells, such as the popular Marian bluebell, are biennials and therefore cannot be treated like a normal perennial perennial. Of course, this applies all the more to the annual varieties. For example, you should not cut them down radically, otherwise they will no longer sprout. Cutting off the withered inflorescences is also problematic, as the seeds cannot ripen in this way.
Perennials have many benefits
Perennials have one great advantage: they reliably come back every year, even if their above-ground plant parts have frozen over the winter. Bluebell perennials often last for many years without you having to buy new plants every year or grow them yourself. Nevertheless, you can of course multiply your Campanula, which is quite easy to do by dividing or using the ripe seeds.
tips and tricks
Bluebells can be used not only as perennials for borders, rock gardens or beds, but also as ground cover.