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Pruning guide · Perennial
Nettle-leaved bellflower: when and how to prune
Campanula trachelium
Nettle-leaved bellflower is best pruned in March and August.
| Pruning months | March and August |
|---|---|
| Flowering | June–August |
| Good for bees, butterflies and birds | Yes, for bees |
| Native to Belgium | Yes |
Nettle-leaved bellflower: when to prune it?
After flowering, in August, you can cut back the spent stems. If you leave them for seed and insects, cut them down in March.
Nettle-leaved bellflower: how to prune it?
- Cut spent stems back to just above the leaves at the base.
- If you want it to self-seed, leave a few stems until the capsules are brown.
- In March, cut the old, dry stems down to the ground before the new shoots appear.
How much to cut, and how often?
- There are 2 pruning periods a year: March and August. You don’t have to prune in every one.
What does it mean for wildlife?
- Nettle-leaved bellflower flowers in June–August, 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.
- As a native plant, it feeds more insects than a non-native species.
Nearby: related pruning guides
- Carpathian bellflower
- Clustered bellflower
- Giant bellflower
- Harebell
- Peach-leaved bellflower
- Trailing bellflower
Plant profile: Nettle-leaved bellflower · Pruning calendar and basic rules
This guide is compiled from the Bladwijzer plant profile and pruning calendar.