for immediate release

Chicago Botanic Garden Evaluates Bellflowers

Plant Evaluation Notes Identifies Best Plants for Midwest

Media Only:
Julie McCaffrey
(847) 835-8213
jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org

GLENCOE, Ill. (Jan. 8, 2009)—The Chicago Botanic Garden is releasing results of a long-term study of hardy bellflowers, Campanula, in its 31st issue of Plant Evaluation Notes: “A Performance Appraisal of Hardy Bellflowers.” Between 1998 and 2006, the Chicago Botanic Garden evaluated 89 taxa of Campanula in full-sun trials. The goal of the comparative trial was to recommend outstanding Campanula for northern gardens. Sixty-four taxa completed a minimum four-year trial, with more than half of the taxa being evaluated for six years.

Bellflowers come in a variety of plant habits and are adaptable to a variety of cultural conditions and produce blue, violet, pink and white flowers in late spring and summer and sometimes into autumn. Whether grown in full sun or light shade, bellflowers are generally easy to grow and trouble free in well-drained, alkaline soils. Sodden soils, especially in winter months, will cause root rot. Deadheading is recommended to encourage rebloom, improve plant health and reduce or eliminate self-sowing. Slugs, rabbits and foliar rust can cause health or cosmetic problems for some species. One can find a variety of garden-worthy bellflowers for borders, meadows and rock gardens.

Campanula 'Sarastro' received a five-star rating, the highest possible ranking, with an additional 31 taxa getting four-star good ratings. Top-rated bellflowers exhibited superior flower production while sustaining good health and habit quality for the duration of the trial. Top-rated 'Sarastro' received the highest marks for its compact habit, profusion of violet blue, tubular flowers, and winter hardiness. 'Sarastro' was similar to 'Kent Belle' in flower but had shorter stems and pubescent leaves. 'Sarastro' is a cross between Campanula punctata and C. trachelium but has a nonspreading habit.

The overall best species for vigor, floriferousness and hardiness were Campanula glomerata, C. poscharskyana, C. punctata, C. rotundifolia and C. takesimana; and their cultivars tended to perform equally as well. High ratings notwithstanding, C. glomerata, C. punctata, C. rapunculoides and C. takesimana are cautiously recommended because of their wide-spreading, rhizomatous habits.

The Chicago Botanic Garden’s Plant Evaluation Notes provide the latest information on plants suited to the Midwestern climate and growing conditions. To download a PDF of Issue 31, “A Performance Appraisal of Hardy Bellflowers,” visit www.chicagobotanic.org/research/plant_evaluation.

###

Editors, please note: The Chicago Botanic Garden's newsroom is online at www.chicagobotanic.org/pr. For digital images, contact Julie McCaffrey at (847) 835-8213 or at jmccaffrey@chicagobotanic.org.

The Chicago Botanic Garden, one of the green treasures of the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, is a 385-acre living plant museum featuring 23 distinct display gardens surrounded by lakes, as well as a prairie and woodlands. With events, programs and activities for all ages, the Garden is open every day of the year. Admission is free; select event fees apply. Parking is $15; free for members. On Tuesdays, senior citizens age 62 and older pay just $7 for parking. The Garden is located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, Ill. Visit www.chicagobotanic.org, or call (847) 835-5440 for seasonal hours, images of the Garden and commuter transportation information.

The Chicago Botanic Garden is managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society. It opened to the public in 1972 and is home to the Joseph Regenstein, Jr. School of the Chicago Botanic Garden, offering a broad array of adult classes in plant science, landscape design and gardening arts. Through the Division of Plant Science and Conservation, Garden scientists work on plant conservation, research and environmental initiatives that have global impact. The Center for Teaching and Learning brings the wonder of nature and plants to children, teens and teachers. The Garden's Horticultural Therapy and Community Gardening programs provide nationally recognized community outreach and service programs. The Garden is also breaking new ground in urban horticulture and jobs training through a 15-acre project in the North Lawndale neighborhood of Chicago called Windy City Harvest. The Chicago Botanic Garden is accredited by the American Association of Museums and is a member of the American Public Gardens Association (APGA). In 2006, the Chicago Botanic Garden received the Award for Garden Excellence, given yearly by the APGA and Horticulture magazine to a public garden that exemplifies the highest standards of horticultural practices and has shown a commitment to supporting and demonstrating best gardening practices.