Origin and Common Names
Campanula rotundifolia L. var. intercedens (Witasek) Farw. is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Campanulaceae family. It is native to Europe and can be found in many parts of the continent, including Scandinavia, the British Isles, and the Alps. This plant is commonly known as the bluebell or harebell, referring to the bluebell-shaped flowers that it produces.
General Appearance
Campanula rotundifolia L. var. intercedens (Witasek) Farw. is a delicate-looking, herbaceous perennial plant that grows up to 50 cm tall. It has thin stems that are typically green or reddish-brown in color and are covered in fine hairs. The leaves of the plant are round or heart-shaped, with toothed edges, and are arranged in a basal rosette. The flowers are bell-shaped, blue in color, and hang down from the stems in clusters. They bloom from late spring to early summer and are visited by various pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.
Uses
Campanula rotundifolia L. var. intercedens (Witasek) Farw. has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, such as respiratory problems, digestive issues, and arthritis. It contains compounds that have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The plant is also a popular ornamental plant, often used in rock gardens or as a border plant. Additionally, it is used in landscaping and can be planted in natural areas to attract pollinators and other beneficial insects.
Light Requirements
Campanula rotundifolia L. var. intercedens (Witasek) Farw. commonly grows in areas that receive partial shade to full sun. However, it prefers a shaded location during the hotter parts of the day, especially in regions with hot summers. The plants will bloom best when they receive at least six hours of direct sunlight a day, so it is best to choose a location that offers diffused light or partial shade to meet this requirement.
Soil Requirements
Campanula rotundifolia L. var. intercedens (Witasek) Farw. prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic to neutral with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0. It can grow in various soil types, including loamy, sandy, and clay, as long as they do not become waterlogged. Adding organic matter to the soil, such as compost, will help improve soil quality and moisture retention.
Temperature Requirements
Campanula rotundifolia L. var. intercedens (Witasek) Farw. is a hardy plant that can grow in a wide range of temperatures. It can tolerate cold temperatures down to at least -20°C, making it well adapted to regions with frosty winters. During the growing season, the ideal temperature range is between 10°C and 24°C. If the temperature becomes extreme, particularly during the heat of summer, it may cause the plant to go dormant.
Cultivation Methods
Campanula rotundifolia L. var. intercedens (Witasek) Farw. grows best in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral with a pH of 6.0-7.0. It requires full sunlight to partial shade to thrive, and it is critical to ensure that it gets adequate air circulation. It is important to plant them in areas with good air circulation to prevent the development of fungal diseases.
Watering Needs
Campanula rotundifolia L. var. intercedens (Witasek) Farw. requires moderate watering, and it is essential to maintain the soil moisture level at the right levels. It is recommended to water it only when the soil becomes dry to touch. Overwatering may cause root rot or lead to the development of fungal diseases. During the winter, it is important to reduce watering to prevent the root ball from remaining wet for too long.
Fertilization
The best time to fertilize Campanula rotundifolia L. var. intercedens (Witasek) Farw. is early spring. You can use a slow-release fertilizer that will provide nutrients to the plant for a more extended period. It is recommended to avoid fertilizing the plant during winter times or when the soil is too dry or too wet. Fertilization should be done in moderation, as excessive fertilization can cause abnormal growth or damage the plant.
Pruning
Pruning Campanula rotundifolia L. var. intercedens (Witasek) Farw. helps in maintaining the plant's shape, promoting bushy growth, and removing diseased or dead stems. It is recommended to prune the plant after it has finished blooming, typically late summer. You can trim off the stems at the base or when they begin to die. It is also a good practice to remove the spent flowers to encourage new blooms. Deadheading spent flowers regularly can significantly increase the flowering season.
Propagation of Campanula rotundifolia L. var. intercedens (Witasek) Farw.
Campanula rotundifolia L. var. intercedens can be propagated by both seeds and cuttings.
Propagation by Seeds
Seeds of Campanula rotundifolia L. var. intercedens can be sown directly into the ground or in containers. The best time for sowing seeds is in the spring or fall. The seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate, which can take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks.
Once the seedlings have grown to a suitable size, they can be transplanted into their permanent location in the garden.
Propagation by Cuttings
Campanula rotundifolia L. var. intercedens can also be propagated by cuttings taken from healthy plants. Cuttings should be taken in the spring or summer when the plant is actively growing. The cuttings should be around 4-6 inches long and should include a few leaves.
Remove the lower leaves from the cutting and dip the stem in rooting hormone. Place the cutting in well-draining soil in a container and cover it with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm, bright location. The cutting should root within 4-6 weeks.
Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into its permanent location in the garden.
Disease Management
The Campanula rotundifolia L. var. intercedens (Witasek) Farw. is susceptible to various plant diseases that can affect the plant's growth and quality. Some of the common diseases include:
- Rust: Rust disease causes rust-colored spots on the leaves, flowers, and stems of the plant. To manage rust, remove and destroy infected parts of the plant and consider using a fungicide.
- Mildew: Mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and flowers of the plant. To manage mildew, remove infected parts of the plant and improve air circulation around the plan by spacing out the plants.
- Pythium root rot: Pythium root rot causes the roots of the plant to rot and can lead to wilting and death. To manage Pythium root rot, avoid overwatering and consider using a fungicide.
Pest Management
Campanula rotundifolia L. var. intercedens (Witasek) Farw. is also susceptible to damage from various pests. Some of the common pests include:
- Aphids: Aphids are small insects that suck the sap from the plant's leaves, flowers, and stems. To manage aphids, remove them manually or consider using insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause yellowing and browning of the plant's leaves. To manage spider mites, improve air circulation around the plant and consider using insecticidal soap.
- Slugs and snails: Slugs and snails can cause damage to the plant by eating holes in the leaves. To manage slugs and snails, consider using slug bait or eggshells to deter them from the plant.
