What are Campanulas?

Campanulas are a diverse group of plants that includes both small, creeping species and towering perennials. They are known for their beautiful, usually blue, bell-shaped flowers that attract pollinators.

Growing Campanulas

Most campanulas grow best in moist but well-drained soil. They can tolerate a range of light conditions, from full sun to partial shade. Taller species may need to be staked to prevent them from flopping over.

Some popular campanulas include:

• Campanula rotundifolia: A creeping species that thrives in dry, nutrient-poor soils.
• Campanula portenschlagiana: A mat-forming perennial that is perfect for sunny or partially shaded spots.
• Campanula glomerata: A clump-forming species with clusters of brightly-colored flowers.
• Campanula latifolia: A tall, stately species with large, bell-shaped flowers.
• Campanula persicifolia: An old-fashioned cottage garden perennial with showy, bell-shaped flowers.
• Campanula lactiflora: A floriferous species with large heads of clustered flowers.
• Campanula poscharskyana: A trailing species that is well-suited to growing in crevices between paving tiles or stones.
• Campanula ‘Sarastro’: A hybrid with stunning midnight blue flowers.
• Campanula pyramidalis: A tall, dramatic species that is best grown from seed each year.
• Campanula carpatica: A popular alpine species with large, wide open flowers.

Tips for Growing Campanulas

• Choose the right campanula for your growing conditions.
• Plant in well-drained soil and water regularly.
• Fertilize monthly during the growing season.
• Deadhead spent blooms to prolong flowering.
• Taller species may need to be cut back in autumn.

Where to Buy Campanulas

Campanulas can be purchased from most garden centers and online retailers. When buying campanulas, be sure to choose plants from a reputable supplier and check for signs of pests or diseases.

What is the Chelsea Chop?

The Chelsea chop is a gardening technique that helps control the size, shape, and flowering time of certain summer-flowering plants. It’s best done in late May, around the time of the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Why Do the Chelsea Chop?

By cutting back your plants, you’ll encourage them to produce more flowers. It also helps control their height and shape, making them less likely to flop over in windy weather.

How to Do the Chelsea Chop

To do the Chelsea chop, simply cut back your plants by about one-third. Make sure to water them well and give them some fertilizer after you cut them back.

11 Plants to Chelsea Chop

Here are 11 plants that respond well to the Chelsea chop:

• Phlox
• Achillea
• Campanulas
• Asters
• Echinacea
• Rudbeckias
• Sedums
• Penstemons
• Heleniums
• Nepeta
• Helianthus (perennial varieties only)

Tips for Success

• Cut back your plants on a dry day to prevent disease.
• Use sharp shears or a knife to make clean cuts.
• Water your plants well after you cut them back.
• Give your plants some fertilizer to help them recover from the pruning.

By following these tips, you can use the Chelsea chop to get a stunning summer performance from your favorite flowering plants.