Photo: Kurt Stüber [1], CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Pruning guide · Perennial
Trailing bellflower: when and how to prune
Campanula poscharskyana
Trailing bellflower is best pruned in March and July.
| Pruning months | March and July |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–September |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | No, planted |
Trailing bellflower: when to prune it?
Remove the dead stems in March and shear lightly in July, after the first flush of flowers.
Trailing bellflower: how to prune it?
- In March, cut away all dead and withered stems, just above the new leaves.
- In July, shear the faded flowering stems back to the foliage with grass shears or hedge shears.
- Water afterwards: new flowers follow within a few weeks.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and July. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Trailing bellflower flowers in June–September, when it attracts bees.
- If pruning falls during flowering, wait until it is over or leave part of the plant to flower, so bees and butterflies still benefit.
Nearby: related pruning guides
- Carpathian bellflower
- Clustered bellflower
- Giant bellflower
- Harebell
- Nettle-leaved bellflower
- Peach-leaved bellflower
Plant profile: Trailing bellflower · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.