Campanula trachelium

fl. pl.

DOUBLE

BATS-IN-THE-BELFRY

Campanula trachelium fl. pl.
DOUBLE BATS-IN-THE-BELFRY

Campanula trachelium fl. pl. is the new and unusual DOUBLE form of a tough old favourite.
These new doubles are gorgeous.

New double form of an old beauty

The old Bats-in-the Belfry (Campanula trachelium) has been known in gardens since 1561 – it is a tough and much loved old beauty.
Bearing large, wide, pointed bells on erect 75cm. stems during summer and autumn (usually lavender).
Lovely enough, BUT when you add a double petticoat lining of large pointed bells inside every flower – WOW.

Mix of lovely colours – deep blue, violet, china blue & white

This seed mix contains all the new colours in sumptuous double flowers (each flower is like a tiered ball gown).
So plants will vary in colour from deep blue, violet, china blue and white; with all shades in between.

Excellent cut flowers for floristry

Campanula trachelium fl. pl. makes an excellent cut flower for florist’s vases.
The bells are large, showy with petals of substantial waxy texture; and the stems strong.
They last well in water – though be aware they are heavy drinkers, so suitable for water filled vases but not suitable for standing in foam alone.

Tough, hardy & easy to grow

Hairy foliage forms a neat perennial clump with no runners – so it is with you clumping and fattening up each year, but is not invasive.

One of the most suitable Bellflowers for Australian gardens

Campanula trachelium is considered one of the most suitable for Australian conditions, of all the beautiful Bellflower family.
It is frost hardy and tolerates a wide range of soils.
And is one of the best for coping with drier soil conditions – Bats-in-the-Belfry is no shrinking violet in adversity. It is not a water-guzzler.
This lovely double form is equally as robust.

Copes with some shade if necessary

Campanula trachelium fl. pl. also grows happily in a wide range of light conditions – from Shade; through Part Shade and Dappled Sun; to Full Sun positions (though in very hot areas a little afternoon shade will keep the flowers looking lovely).

Tough, easy, low maintenance perennial. Will thrive even in dryer gardens.
75cm. High x 50cm. Wide.

Folk medicine & funny names

Campanula trachelium is also known as “throatwort”, because it was widely used to treat sore throats in centuries past.
It is also sometimes called “Our Lady’s Bells” (because the blue colour signifies the cloak of the Virgin Mary – very popular for church vases).
Known as “Coventry Bells” because it grows profusely in the hay-meadows around Coventry in UK.

Why Bats-in-the-Belfry?

Because when you look inside the flowers the stamens look like bats hanging in the bells of a church steeple.
Take a look and see what you think.

SOWING ADVICE: QUICK & EASY

Suits beginners & gardening with kids

Seeds of Campanula trachelium fl. pl. can be sown at any time of year when suitable temperatures are available.
Either scatter in garden / or for optimum germination sow in punnets indoors.

Sow indoors for quick & early plants: First scatter the seeds on the surface of good quality potting mix in a punnet.

Then gently pat the surface to ensure seeds have good contact with the mix.
But do not cover the seeds with mix, as these seeds need light for germination.

Now thoroughly moisten the mix by standing the punnet in a shallow water bath.
And allowing the moisture to percolate to the surface of the mix from below.

Then place the moist, sown punnet in a warm, well-lit position (not in any direct sunlight).
Temperatures of 15-20°C are best for optimum germination.

Continue to keep the punnet moist by misting from a spray water bottle.
Covering the punnet with clear plastic, plastic bag, or glass will also help to maintain consistent moisture and prevent drying out.

Seedlings begin to emerge in approx. 14-28 days.

Seed Count: 30 seeds per pack approx.
(We always aim to exceed the stated seed count and give a generous serve).

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