How Does Bellflower Reproduce?
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About Bellflowers
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Bellflowers are pretty flowers that are shaped as bells. It is of the genus Campanula which--in Latin--means "little bell." The name and its common name of bellflower come from the shape the flower petals take on the stems. Inside the bell of the flower is a fruit capsule in which small seeds are stored. The reproduction process of the bellflower starts here. These flowers are a common site at weddings as they symbolize gratitude and prosperity. They are also shaped like bells. That, in turn, is reminiscent of wedding bells. Colors for these flowers vary in soft colors such as whites, blues, pinks, and lavenders.
Reproduction and Cultivation of Bellflower
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A bellflower is a hearty flower. The reproduction stage of this pretty flower is called fruiting. Seed capsules from the flowered plants fall to the ground as they diminish for the season. As they fall to the soil, they get watered and begin to grow. A green stem will sprout and as it grows green leaves of differing sizes will appear. Large, broad leaves will be at the base, and smaller more narrow leaves will remain higher up on the stems just beneath the flower heads. Bellflower reproduces itself in a panicle. A panicle is a large cluster of flowers arranged on a single main branch or on a complicated arrangement of small interwoven branches. This reproduction process of the bellflower is also known as infructescence.
Growing bellflower plants is easy since the flower likes to thrive. Partial shade, good soil and plenty of nutrients will give the bellflower plant a good foundation to grow. Lots of space should be given to these plants so they can spread. Once the plants bloom, they work well in gardens as border plants, main attractions and also as cuttings for vases in the home.
Seeds from just one bellflower plant can give a garden plenty of blooms. There are over 300 species of bellflower so planting a variety can give different blooms throughout the year.
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Extra Information on Bellflowers
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Some other names that the bellflower goes by are harebell, Cantebury bell, campanule, bearded bellflower, Americana, alpina and marsh bellflower. There are lots of other names that this bell shaped flower goes by depending on the region you find it in. Cantebury bells are the bright blue bellflowers, and bee keepers have been known to use them as they produce very sweet honey.
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Resources
- Photo Credit Bellflower, Wikimedia Commons
