American Bellflower

American Bellflower should be watered when the top 3 inches of the soil is dry. Soak the soil until the water reaches the bottom of the pot. During hot and dry months the plant should be watered more often and depending on the weather. Make sure the excess water drains away from the base of the plant. Too much water can cause root rot and other plant diseases.

American Bellflower prefers part to full sun, but it is tolerant of light shade. It requires a minimum of 4 to 8 hours of sunlight every day to reach its full flower potential. If planted indoors, make sure it receives direct sunlight for a portion of the day. It is drought tolerant, but for the best results, regular watering is necessary.

This plant does best in temperatures between 60°-75°F (15°-24°C). They are not suitable for temperatures below freezing and are not frost-tolerant. It will survive temperatures as low as 30°F (-1°C) but is more likely to be damaged if exposed to repeated freezing temperatures.

American Bellflower does best in normal humidities, around 40% - 60%. If the humidity is too high, the plant may suffer from fungal diseases. They are not suitable for very dry areas and need regular misting in order to maintain healthy foliage and flowers.

American Bellflower prefers a moist and well-draining soil. It should be mixed with organic matter such as compost to improve its water-retention capabilities and nutrients. Make sure that the soil is well aerated and won’t retain too much water. A pH of around 6.0 is most suitable for this species.

For the best performance, American Bellflower should be fertilized every month, starting in the springtime. Use a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio such as 10-10-10. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much fertilizer can burn the roots and cause wilting. For best results, water the plant before applying fertilizer.

American Bellflower occasionally suffer from aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Regularly inspect the foliage and flower buds for signs of infestation. Aphids can be removed with a strong stream of water and mealybugs can be treated with neem oil. If powdery mildew is present, spray the plant with a fungicide, and use neem oil in tandem to keep the pests at bay.

American Bellflower should be repotted every two years to encourage growth. Use a well-draining potting mix and pick a pot that is 1-2 inches larger than the current one. Use a general-purpose potting soil for optimal results.

American Bellflower can be pruned twice a year, once in the late winter to remove dead or diseased stems, and again in the summer to encourage more flowers. Cut the stems back to a few inches in length and avoid over-pruning. The flower clusters will re-appear within a few months.

Mulching around the base of the American Bellflower helps keep the roots cool and moist. A layer of organic material such as compost, straw or shredded bark should be placed around 2 inches thick around the base of the plant.

American Bellflower can be propagated by division of the crown in the springtime or seeds in the late winter. To divide the crown, dig up the plant and carefully separate the crown into two or more sections, making sure each section has a few roots. Plant the sections in separate pots. To propagate via seeds, the seeds must first be soaked in warm water for 24 hours before sowing them in a pot. Keep the pot in a warm spot indoors and keep the soil moist.

American Bellflower can sometimes become top-heavy when the flower clusters are in full bloom and may require a support system. Place a stake and tie it gently to the stem without damaging it.

American Bellflower should be placed in a dormant period in the late fall. During this period, reduce watering and fertilizing intervals. The dormancy period is necessary to recharge the plant and will help to promote flowering in the springtime.

American Bellflower is not considered toxic to pets. It is best to keep them away from the plant as the leaves and flowers can cause gastrointestinal discomfort if ingested.