Overview
Campanulastrum americanum (L.) Small also known as American bellflower is a perennial plant that belongs to the Campanulaceae family. It is native to the United States and Canada.Appearance
The plant grows up to 3 feet tall and has a spreading habit. The leaves are alternate and appear lance-shaped with jagged edges. The flowers are light blue to deep violet and can be bell-shaped or star-shaped. They usually appear in a cluster at the top of the stem and bloom from late spring to early fall.Common Names
Campanulastrum americanum is commonly called American bellflower, tall bellflower, or American bluebell.Uses
The plant has some medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine as a diuretic, astringent, and laxative. It contains compounds like saponins, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The roasted roots of the plant were used to make a coffee-like beverage. In the garden, American bellflower is an excellent ornamental plant that adds a burst of color to any garden setting. It is an easy to grow plant and can be used as a filler plant in a border or as an accent specimen.Cultivation
American bellflower grows best in well-drained soil and can tolerate a range of soil pH from acidic to alkaline. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and needs watering regularly during dry periods. The plant is tolerant of cold, harsh winters and can survive temperatures as low as -30°F. It is propagated through seed or division of the clumps.Light Conditions:
Campanulastrum americanum typically thrives in full sun exposure; however, it can tolerate partial shade. A minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight is necessary for optimal growth and blooming.
Temperature Requirements:
The plant prefers a moderate temperature. It can withstand cold temperature range of about -40 to -34 degrees Celsius. The optimal growth temperature range is from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius. At temperatures above this range, the Campanulastrum americanum may experience heat stress that negatively impacts its growth.
Soil Conditions:
The plant grows well in moist, well-draining sandy or loamy soils with a pH range between 5.0 and 7.0. It does not thrive in soggy or clay soils that retain water for long periods, which inevitably leads to rotting of the roots. This plant does not need much attention as it is even capable of growing in poor soil conditions, however, regular watering and nutrient replenishing may significantly improve its growth rate and overall health.
Cultivation Methods
Campanulastrum americanum grows best in full sun or partially shaded areas. It prefers well-draining soil with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.0. The plant is typically grown from seed or propagated through division in early spring. The ideal temperature range for optimum growth is between 60°F and 80°F.
Watering Needs
Watering Campanulastrum americanum should be done evenly without waterlogging the soil. The plant requires moderate watering, approximately one inch of water each week during the growing season. However, water requirements could increase depending on the temperature, and the plant should not be allowed to wilt before watering.
Fertilization
Campanulastrum americanum requires little fertilizer but will benefit from light applications of well-balanced fertilizers during the growing period. Fertilization is most effective when done in early spring and summer. Excessive fertilization could cause leggy growth and reduce flowering. It is advisable to conduct soil tests to determine the type and amount of fertilizer needed.
Pruning
Campanulastrum americanum requires minimal pruning; cutting back the plant after flowering can stimulate new growth and encourage secondary blooming. It is advisable to remove dead or damaged foliage to prevent the spread of pests or diseases. The plant should be divided every three to four years to ensure healthy growth and prevent overcrowding.
Propagation of Campanulastrum americanum
Campanulastrum americanum, also known as American bellflower, can be propagated through various methods including seeds, cuttings, and division of the root ball.
Seed Propagation
The easiest and most common way to propagate Campanulastrum americanum is through seeds. The plant produces numerous small seeds that can be collected in the fall after the seed capsules have dried and opened.
After collecting the seeds, they should be planted immediately or stored in a cool dry place until spring. In the spring, sow the seeds in a prepared bed or starting tray filled with well-draining soil. The soil should be kept moist and the seeds should be covered with a thin layer of soil.
The seeds will germinate in two to four weeks, and once the seedlings have reached 2 inches in height, they can be transplanted to their permanent location in the garden.
Cutting Propagation
In addition to seed propagation, Campanulastrum americanum can also be propagated through cuttings. Take softwood cuttings in the spring from new growth that has not yet become woody.
The cuttings should be about 2 to 4 inches long and should be taken from the tip of the stem. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place in a warm, bright location.
The cuttings will root in about four to six weeks and can then be transplanted to their permanent location in the garden.
Division Propagation
Campanulastrum americanum can also be propagated through division of the root ball. This method of propagation is best done in the spring or fall.
Carefully dig up the plant and separate the root ball into sections using a sharp knife or gardening tool. Each section should have a healthy root system and several shoots. Replant the divisions in a prepared garden bed with well-draining soil and water thoroughly.
It is important to keep the soil moist for the first few weeks after planting to help the divisions establish and continue to thrive.
Disease Management
One of the most common diseases affecting Campanulastrum americanum (L.) Small is powdery mildew. This disease appears as a white, powdery growth on the leaves and stems of the plant. It is caused by humidity and poor air circulation. To control the spread of powdery mildew, it is important to keep the plants well-spaced and to water them at the base, avoiding splashing water onto the leaves. You can also apply fungicides to control the spread of powdery mildew.
Another common disease that affects Campanulastrum americanum (L.) Small is crown rot, which is caused by soil-borne pathogens. The plant's roots and crown become brown and mushy, eventually killing the plant. Crown rot can be prevented by planting the plants in well-draining soils and avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of crown rot.
Fusarium wilt is a serious disease that affects Campanulastrum americanum (L.) Small. It causes wilting, yellowing, and death of the plant. The disease is soil-borne and cannot be effectively controlled by fungicides. The best way to manage Fusarium wilt is by planting resistant strains of the plant.
Pest Management
One of the most common pests that affect Campanulastrum americanum (L.) Small is the aphid. Aphids are small insects that suck sap from the plant's leaves and stems. They can be controlled by using insecticidal soap or neem oil. You can also introduce natural predators of aphids, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to control their population.
Spider mites are another common pest that affect Campanulastrum americanum (L.) Small. These tiny mites are difficult to see but can cause significant damage to the plant's leaves. Infested leaves become stippled and may eventually turn yellow or brown. Spider mites can be controlled by spraying the plants with water to dislodge them or by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Scale insects are another pest that can affect Campanulastrum americanum (L.) Small. They are small, immobile insects that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant and suck sap. Infested leaves can turn yellow and drop prematurely. Scale insects can be treated with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap, or by employing natural predators that feed on them, such as parasitic wasps or ladybugs.
