A flower blooming with white bells. Types of bells and their photos

The field bell is one of the popular flowers that can be found in the forest, in the clearing or in the steppe, as well as in gardeners’ decorative plantings. There are many types of it, differing in different shades, some of them have medicinal properties.

Biological description

The field bell belongs to the genus of herbaceous plants of the same family; the Latin name Campanula comes from the diminutive version of the Italian word Campana, i.e. bell; the Russian version was chosen in the same way.

All species of this culture are characterized by a funnel-shaped flower, a tubular corolla consisting of 5 toothed petals diverging upward, which are fused at the base. There are two types of inflorescences (paniculate or racemose), crowned with peduncles at the top, and occasionally single ones are found.

Its stem can be simple or with branches, in some species it is creeping or creeping. The leaves have an elongated shape, form a basal rosette at the base, and petiolate above.

As a rule, bluebells bloom from late spring to mid-summer for 15-45 days. But there are also later species that bloom in August-September. In addition, some varieties have a long flowering period, up to 3 months. The fruit looks like a capsule with a large number of seeds.

Classification and popular varieties

There are almost 300 species of bells in the world. According to the duration of the life cycle, they are divided into one-, two- and perennial, the latter of which have many varieties and interspecific hybrids.

Based on their habitat they are classified into the following types:

field;
forest;
mountain

In Russia, in forests, clearings, floodplains and steppes you can find more than 10 species of field bells, blooming from late spring for almost the entire summer season.

The most popular varieties of this flower, which are often used to decorate summer cottages and garden plots:

This modest-looking flower loves light-colored copses, meadows, and ravine slopes, blooming in early June. The stem usually does not exceed 60 cm in height and branches upward. The plant is biennial, differs from others in having a dissected flower corolla consisting of 5 lobes; oblong leaves with sharp tips are arranged in a spiral.
Peach-leaved. Considered a model of beauty among its fellows, the flower has a sky-blue hue, the petals are fused, and grows in fields, sparse forests, near paths and paths. It was this species that was first domesticated in Europe.
The bell is crowded. It is a dwarf species, reaching a height of 30 to 60 cm, the stems are very thin, the flowers are small, collected in bunches, and have a dark blue-violet hue. Flowering time is from late June to mid-August.
Nettle-leaved . Prefers wet and damp ravines, common in the middle zone, can grow up to 140 cm in height, has strong stems covered with hairs. Its leaves are similar in shape to nettles, the inflorescences are grouped up to 3 pieces in a raceme near the apex and in the axils, the corolla has a lilac-blue tint.
Broadleaf. It is found in ravines, between bushes in the forest, and blooms later than all other varieties, usually in July-August. The leaves are large in size, 10-15 cm in length, located at the base. The stems are straight and strong, reaching a height of up to 130 cm. The flowers can be blue or pale purple, arranged in 1-3 pieces. The species has been cultivated and many varieties have been bred.

Mountain views

Such bells are medium-sized, having a maximum height of up to 80 cm. The most popular Caucasian species among them are:

Round-leaved. It is distinguished by a more rounded shape of leaves collected near the root, which die off during the flowering period. The petals are colored blue. The plant has medicinal properties.
Takeshima. A winter-hardy crop, decorated with double flowers with pink, lilac or blue petals, collected in racemose bunches, the heads hanging down.

Spot. Large white and pink-purple flowers are collected in paniculate inflorescences and appear drooping.
The bell is medium. The most spectacular and popular look. Breeders have developed many interesting varieties of it.

Dwarf varieties

Low-growing species of field bell include:

Carpathian . Decorative variety with a long flowering period of up to 70 days. It grows in bushes with a diameter of 20-30 cm, abundantly strewn with small flowers in shades of blue, lilac and white.

Daisy leaf. A perennial winter-hardy plant that forms dense turf up to 15 cm in height. The flowers look vertically upward, blue or purple, located one on each low stem.

Growing and care

Basic rules for planting and watering field bells:

plants love sunny places and cannot tolerate close groundwater, as this can cause the root system to freeze;
the soil is preferably loamy, neutral or slightly alkaline, sand and humus are also added, prepared in advance with the addition of rotted manure, fertilizers, drainage is placed down;
watering is moderate, during the growth period it is useful to apply fertilizers with nitrogen, when laying buds - mineral fertilizers;
loves loose soil, which also helps in the fight against weeds;
dry, faded parts of the plant should be removed immediately, which will open up space for new buds;
seed boxes must be collected, preventing self-sowing;
perennial varieties are covered with peat, dry leaves or spruce branches for the winter.

Each species also has its own nuances and characteristics of cultivation and care.

Reproduction

Wildflowers bells reproduce in 3 ways:

seeds - annual species;
cuttings and seeds - biennial;
vegetative propagation or long root cuttings.

Black small seeds of annuals, extracted from a dried capsule, are sown in late autumn directly into open ground. You can make seedlings for planting in the spring, after frost, in the 3-leaf phase.

The vegetative method is perfect for southern heat-loving varieties, as well as for preserving the desired genetic characteristics (doubleness, etc.). The division of the plant is carried out in the spring of the 3rd year, with the exception of quickly maturing species that can produce planting divisions in the fall.

When dividing, an adult bush is dug up, the ground shoots are cut off, and the rhizome is divided so that each part necessarily has a growing point. When planted in ditches, it should remain above the surface of the ground.

When cuttings, young shoots of the plant are used, separating them in the spring of the 2nd year.

Bellflower pests and diseases

The plant is a resistant species that is rarely susceptible to disease. However, when growing a crop in the same place for a long period, the development of fungal diseases is possible. Therefore, as a preventative measure, it is recommended to treat the soil and the seedlings themselves with a solution of Fundazol.

With prolonged moisture, rotting of the neck or the roots themselves may occur, but this can be avoided by providing drainage during planting and regularly loosening the soil. Watering should be done moderately.

Among the pests, the plant is most often attacked by slugs, from which it must be treated with metaldehyde.

Relatives of the plant

In structure and appearance, there are wildflowers similar to bells:

Foxglove (digitalis). The plant belongs to the herbs of the plantain family; beautiful pink and lilac flowers, arranged in bunches on the stem, are shaped like the fused petals of a bell.
Lilies of the valley. A plant with small white flowers, common in temperate countries.
Grouse (fritillaria). A herbaceous perennial from the lily family, there are 150 species, growing in temperate climates. The Russian name comes from the words “pockmarked, motley”.

Field bell: beneficial properties and contraindications

Several types of plants are used in folk medicine. The bluebell has the greatest healing effect. To prepare decoctions and infusions from this culture, all parts of the plant are collected, except for the roots. The optimal time for harvesting is the flowering period. It is better to collect in places of mass growth (see photo of the crowded bellflower below).

It is better to prepare raw materials outdoors in the shade under a canopy, but you can use a dryer. But only at a maximum temperature of up to 40 ºС. Plants are stored in fabric bags in a dry, dark place for up to 1 year.

The beneficial properties of the field bell are due to the content of active substances: carotene, kaempeferol, citric and caffeic acid, magnesium and potassium. The prepared medicinal infusions have a calming effect on the peripheral nervous system, are successfully used in the treatment of inflammatory processes in the throat, for coughs, and are used in the form of compresses to relieve the symptoms of rheumatism and wound healing.

Recipes for medicinal decoctions and infusions:

The decoction is made from 3 tbsp. l. dry mixture in 0.5 liters of water, boil for 5 minutes. Covered, leave for 1 hour, strain and squeeze. Use ½ tbsp. after meals to strengthen the body during viral and infectious diseases.
To treat sore throat, stomatitis and other throat diseases, rinse with bellflower decoction: 2 tsp. herbs for 1 tbsp. boiling water
An infusion to reduce pain in the stomach and kidneys can be prepared from 20 g of dry herb per 0.5 liter of boiling water. Leave for 2 hours, then filter. Drink 2/3 tbsp. for pain. The maximum daily dose is 2 glasses.
Soothing and relaxing bath made with the addition of infusion (100 g of dry mixture per 1 liter of boiling water, leave until cooled). Strain the liquid and add to the prepared bathing water.
Relieving joint pain and treating radiculitis . This is done using a compress soaked in a decoction prepared from 2 tbsp. l. dry herbs for 1 tbsp. boiling water It needs to be infused for 40 minutes, then strained. The compress is applied to the sore spot several times a day.

A contraindication to the use of medicinal products is individual intolerance to the plant, as well as leukocytosis.

Many hybrids and varieties of bluebells are favorite and popular flowers, widely used in ornamental plantings to decorate home gardens.

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Surely, the Latin name of this plant - campanula - will not cause any associations for novice gardeners. Meanwhile, this is what botanical reference books call the garden perennial bell - one of the favorite flowers of the inhabitants of the middle zone. According to the description, the flowers of the bellflower are indeed very similar to small bells, for which it received its name in Russia.

Photo and description of what the bell looks like

Perennial bellflowers are herbaceous flowering plants of the bellflower family. There are also annual and biennial plants in cultivation. Among them there are both tall (up to 2 m in height) and short (5-7 cm). The height of the plant does not characterize the species. It may vary depending on growing conditions.

Look at the photo to see what different types of bells look like:

The stems are erect, branched, both smooth and pubescent, there are climbing varieties. In perennial bells, flowering occurs in the second year after sowing the seeds. They are valuable for their abundance and duration of flowering, which lasts from June until frost.

They grow well in the sun and shade. Any well-drained, non-acidic, moderately moist soil is suitable for them. They plant and replant both.

Bellflower flowers are honey-bearing. They contain a large amount of pollen and nectar, have the aroma of a fragrant meadow, a shady forest clearing.

The fruit is a capsule. Its structure is special: in its lower part it has holes covered with valves. In dry weather, the valves open, spill out and are carried by the wind, and in damp weather they are closed. The color of the seeds ranges from milky white to dark red depending on the species.

Almost everyone knows what bells look like, but few people know that these plants have the ability to change the shape of the leaves and the color of the corolla depending on air humidity. When saturated with moisture, the flowers become lighter.

Types and varieties of perennial bells (with photos)

Below are photos and descriptions of the most common types and varieties of bells:

Campanula nettlefolia- perennial. The plant is tall (up to 1 m). The root is branched, the stem is ribbed, with hard short hairs. Leaves have short petioles, triangular, ovate, sessile. Flowers 1-3 in the axils of the upper leaves. The inflorescence is a loose raceme up to 45 cm long.

Pay attention to the photo - this type of bell has a blue or purple corolla, less often white:

The culture has garden forms - terry - purple and white.

The plant is very winter-hardy, unpretentious and therefore widespread in floriculture.

Campanula rotundifolia- a widespread perennial. It is especially popular in the middle zone, the Caucasus and Siberia. It got its name from its round basal leaves. Plant height is from 10 to 60 cm. The rhizome is thin, branched, creeping. One or more stems.

A distinctive feature of this species is the early drying out and falling off of the basal leaves - already during the flowering of the plant. The stem leaves, fresh and green, remain until late autumn. The flowers are small, blue, located at the ends of the branches of a paniculate inflorescence. There are varieties used in floriculture : arctic, velvety, garden.

The most popular variety is bellflower. Carpathian "Gnome"- This is one of the most unpretentious representatives of the family. Compact, rounded bushes have a long flowering period (from June to September).

As you can see in the photo, this variety of perennial bell has white or blue flowers:

The height of the plant does not exceed 30 cm.

Medium bell “Raspberry ringing”- the mixture is amazing in beauty and variety of delicate colors of large double flowers.

Bell "Droplet", mixture. Very large flowers of delicate colors will decorate any flower bed and are well preserved when cut.

Other species of interest are: bell-shaped, bell-shaped, peach-leaved bell, bell-shaped, or bell-shaped, Siberian bell-shaped.

The perennial plant bellflower belongs to the Campanaceae family., which has about 300 species. Bluebells are common in the temperate climate of the Northern Hemisphere; more than 100 species grow in our country. This unpretentious plant can be found on the edge of the forest, in ravines, meadows, and even in the mountains.

Name

The flowers of the bell (or Campanula) have long been loved by people; they are affectionately called “bell”, “blue”, “bells”. There is a beautiful belief that on the night of Ivan Kupala, you can hear a bell ringing in the fields. Dozens of bellflower species are successfully grown in gardens, which can be divided into two types: tall (plants of meadows and fields) and low-growing (mountain species).

Description

The plant forms a strong, often branched stem, up to one and a half meters high. Dwarf bellflower species can grow only up to 10–12 cm. The leaves on the stem are alternate, sometimes forming a basal rosette, and green. In some species, the leaf blade and stem are covered with villi.

The flowers are bell-shaped, varying slightly in shape. The color of bell flowers can be blue, light blue, purple, lilac, white. Bells bloom from early summer to late autumn. After flowering, a fruit is formed - a box filled with tiny (over 4000 seeds weigh only 1 g) seeds. Bluebell seeds remain viable for several years.

Types and varieties

Most bellflower species are perennial, but there are also annual plants. Tall species include bellflowers that form a stem higher than 40–50 cm. The most common types are “campanula”.

Low-growing species of interest to the gardener.

Bluebell Carpathian. It is found on rocky soils with a fair amount of lime, in the mountains of Europe. Forms branched bushes, 20–40 cm high, with large white or blue flowers. Flowering is long-lasting, from late June to autumn. The root of the plant is creeping and tenacious. The variety “Gnome” is especially popular.
Campanula garganica. The bush grows in a dense cushion, with stems up to 15 cm high. Small blue flowers abundantly cover the curtain.
Pozharsky's bell. A low plant, up to 20 cm in height, lush bushes covered with pale blue flowers - stars. Prefers calcareous rocky soils.
Bell dotted. Graceful plants, up to 30 cm high, with large dark pink drooping flowers - bells, elongated in shape. Found naturally in the Far East. Varieties: "Othello" has reddish flowers, "Kent Bell" has blue flowers.

Choosing a landing site

Most bellflower species are light-loving, but can tolerate lacy shade. As a rule, tall species that grow in nature under the forest canopy tolerate partial shade well. Low-growing mountain species should be planted in open, sunny places.

The plant needs fairly fertile soil, always neutral and well-drained. It is better to avoid swampy, low-lying areas with stagnant moisture in spring. Cultivated loams (with the addition of sand and fertilizers) are well suited for bluebells.

Care

In addition to regular weeding and watering in dry weather, the bell is fed a couple of times a season. The first nitrogen fertilizing is given in early spring, as soon as the snow melts. The second feeding, phosphorus and potassium, in the budding phase.

To ensure lush and long-lasting flowering, faded buds must be removed. Tall varieties sometimes need supports for flower stalks.

Pests, diseases

The bell is rarely damaged by diseases and pests. In rainy and cold summers, it can develop root rot. To prevent diseases, under unfavorable weather conditions, plantings are sprayed with phytosporin and foundationazole.

Sometimes the fresh foliage of flowers attracts slugs. Against them, sprinkle the soil around the plant with superphosphate, or spray the leaves of the bell with an infusion of hot pepper.

Sowing bellflower seeds

Bell seeds, although very small, germinate well and do not require any pre-planting treatment. Sowing can be done before winter, in September - October, in a bed with fertile and loose soil, cleared of weeds. For ease of sowing, small seeds can be mixed with clean fine sand. Sowing is carried out on the surface of the ground; there is no need to cover the seeds with anything. In the same way, you can sow a bell in the spring, as soon as the soil dries out.

Many gardeners practice sowing bellflower seedlings in March. The seedling substrate is prepared from a mixture of turf soil, humus and sand in a ratio of 2:2:1. At a temperature of +20 degrees, bell seedlings should wait 2 - 3 weeks.

Caring for seedlings is not difficult. The plants are provided with a bright and cool place (+18 degrees), moderate watering with warm water. At the age of 2 – 4 true leaves, seedlings are planted in separate cups. A week after picking, the bells should be fed with complex mineral fertilizer with a predominance of phosphorus. The concentration of the solution is made twice as weak as for ordinary flowers.

Young plants are placed in open ground at the end of May, when the threat of frost has passed. For planting, choose a cloudy day, or work is carried out in the evening. Low-growing perennial species are placed at a distance of 10–15 cm, medium-growing (40–50 cm tall) at 25–30 cm, tall bells are planted no closer than half a meter to each other.

Reproduction of bellflower by dividing the bush

A simple and reliable method in which you can expect the plant to bloom the next year. The bell bush is divided in spring or late summer, when the heat of the day subsides. The curtain is carefully dug up and the rhizome is divided into parts with a sharp knife. There must be several stem buds on each division. Root sections are dusted with ash or kept for half an hour in a red solution of potassium permanganate.

The bell cuttings are planted in previously prepared areas. In soils with a predominance of sand, humus and a full complex of mineral fertilizer are additionally added. For loams, it is necessary to add sand and gravel to the bottom of the holes for drainage. Peat and fresh manure are not brought under the bells! After planting, the soil is pressed well and watered abundantly.

Often the bell bush forms a root shoot, which can simply be dug up and transplanted to another place.

Combination of bell with other plants

Tall flowering bells (for example, peach-leaved, nettle-leaved and broad-leaved) look good in single plantings, framed by low-growing flowers - marigolds.

In mixborders, the bluebell will be accompanied by the following garden flowers: roses, phlox,. In compositions in a natural style, the best neighbors of the bluebell are cornflower, lychnis (adonis), and geranium.

Low-growing species look great on alpine hills, in rockeries and as a border crop.

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