Growing and Caring for Dalmatian Bellflower

Plant Care

Dalmatian Bellflower is a charming, easy-to-grow perennial that flourishes with minimal attention.. It can be grown in sunny locations or shadier areas, and is therefore suitable for gardens of any type. Dalmatian Bellflower has a trailing nature and a long period of bloom time making it an ideal choice for use in garden beds, hanging baskets, or in containers.

Light

Dalmatian Bellflower prefers full sun to partial shade. It should grow in conditions with four to six hours of sun a day, but it can put up with a little shade, especially in hotter climates. More sun will yield more blooms, although too much intense heat will cause the plant to wilt.

Soil

Best grown in loamy, well-draining soil. Although it isn’t fussy, Dalmatian Bellflower prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil. Add things like compost to heavy or clay soil to aid drainage and a thriving root system.

Watering

Dalmatian Bellflower is fairly drought-tolerant when established, but it does prefer regular watering during dry periods. Water deeply so the roots receive enough moisture, but take care you do not over-water, which will cause root rot. Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, particularly in the growing season, but let it dry out a bit between watering.

Pruning

Pruning Dalmatian Bellflower is easy and will help it produce new growth and prolong the flowering time. After the plant has finished blooming, deadhead fade-flowers to stop seeds developing and re-direct the plant’s energy into new growth and more flowers. You can also prune back leggy knots of stems or cut the plant back in late fall in preparation for the next season. Prune lightly to retain a tidy habit and encourage a fuller, denser appearance.

Propagating

This plant can be propagated through division or stem cuttings.

• The easiest way (and perhaps the best) is to divide during the early spring or late fall, when the plant is dormant. Just dig the plant up, break the clumps apart and replant it into well-prepared soil. 
• For stem cuttings, take healthy, non-flowering stems and cut them about 4-6 inches long. Place the cut ends in rooting hormone and plant them in a damp, well-draining potting mix. Place the cuttings in a warm location and they will root in a few weeks.

Growing in Pots

Dalmatian Bellflower works well for container gardens, window boxes or hanging baskets. Choose a well-draining pot to prevent soggy roots, and use a well-draining potting mix. Water frequently, particularly in hot summer months, and fertilize the plant every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to promote ongoing blooming. Dalmatian Bellflower is great in containers, where its forward-facing growth will tumble over the sides for a lovely burst of color in your out-of-doors decor.

Overwintering

Dalmatian Bellflower is tough and can survive cold winters in USDA zones 4-9. However, it’s always best to give yourself a little extra protection during the colder months. In the autumn, once the plant has done blooming, cut off any dead growth and mulch around the base to insulate the roots. Move potted plants as needed to a sheltered area, like a garage or porch, to keep them safe from freezing. In the spring, trim off any leftover dead growth so new shoots can come up.

Blooming

The plant  blooms profusely from late spring through summer, producing clusters of bell-shaped flowers in hues of blue, violet, or purple. It's a fantastic addition to any garden that is host to pollinators as its flowers attract important insects including bees and butterflies. This plant has an extended bloom time of several weeks, and you can extend your bloom time even further by deadheading your flowers. In some areas, Dalmatian Bellflower will repeat flower in the fall if the weather is warm enough.

Common Issues

Dalmatian Bellflower is a fairly low-maintenance plant, though there are a few common problems that it can run into from time to time:

• Powdery Mildew This fungus can target the leaves, especially in wet conditions. Give the remaining plants good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to minimize risk.
• Slugs & Snails — The foliage of the plant can be damaged by these pests. Pick them off by hand or sprinkle organic slug bait around the plant.
• Root Rot: Over-watering or soil that doesn't drain well can lead to root rot. Use well-drained soil, and only water when you have to.