Removing Creeping Bellflower: A Guide to Getting Rid of This Invasive Plant

Creeping bellflower is a beautiful plant with purple flowers, but it can quickly become a nuisance in your garden. This invasive species spreads rapidly, choking out other plants and taking over large areas. If you have creeping bellflower in your yard, you may be wondering how to get rid of it. In this article, we'll explore several methods for removing creeping bellflower and keeping it from coming back.

What is Creeping Bellflower?

Creeping bellflower (Campanula rapunculoides) is a perennial plant native to Europe and Asia. It has long been cultivated as an ornamental plant and has been introduced to many parts of the world, where it has become invasive. Creeping bellflower can grow up to three feet tall and has heart-shaped leaves and clusters of bell-shaped flowers that range in color from white to deep purple.

Why is Creeping Bellflower a Problem?

While creeping bellflower may look pretty, it can quickly become a problem in your garden. Here are a few reasons why:

• It spreads rapidly: Creeping bellflower can produce up to 15,000 seeds per plant, which means it can quickly take over large areas.
• It chokes out other plants: Creeping bellflower is a vigorous grower and can smother other plants, making it difficult for them to thrive.
• It's difficult to remove: Creeping bellflower has tough, fibrous roots that can be difficult to remove.

Methods for Removing Creeping Bellflower

If you're dealing with creeping bellflower in your garden, there are several methods you can use to get rid of it. Here are a few options:

1. Hand-Pulling

Hand-pulling is one of the most effective ways to remove creeping bellflower, especially if you catch it early. To do this, you'll need to dig down around the plant and gently pull it out by the roots. Be sure to wear gloves, as the plant can irritate your skin. You'll also want to make sure that you remove all of the roots, as even a small piece left behind can regrow into a new plant.

Hand-pulling creeping bellflower

2. Cutting Back

If the creeping bellflower has already spread too much to be hand-pulled, you can try cutting it back. Use a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut the plant back as close to the ground as possible. This will prevent it from flowering and producing seeds, which will help keep it from spreading further. However, keep in mind that cutting back the plant won't kill it completely, and it may regrow next year.

Cutting back creeping bellflower

3. Covering with Plastic

If you have a large area infested with creeping bellflower, you can try covering it with plastic to kill the plants. To do this, cover the area with black plastic and secure the edges with rocks or bricks. Leave the plastic in place for several months, as this will kill the plants by depriving them of sunlight. Keep in mind that this method will also kill any other plants in the area, so it's best used for clearing land that you plan to replant later.

Covering with plastic creeping bellflower

4. Using Herbicides

If all else fails, you may need to resort to using herbicides to get rid of creeping bellflower. There are several herbicides on the market that are effective against this plant, including glyphosate and triclopyr. Before using any herbicide, be sure to read the label carefully and follow all instructions. You'll also want to avoid using herbicides on windy days or when rain is expected, as this can cause the chemicals to drift and harm other plants.

Using herbicides creeping bellflower

Preventing Creeping Bellflower from Coming Back

Once you've removed the creeping bellflower from your garden, you'll want to take steps to prevent it from coming back. Here are a few things you can do:

• Mulch your garden: Adding a layer of mulch to your garden can help suppress weeds and prevent creeping bellflower from sprouting.
• Keep your garden healthy: A healthy garden is less likely to be invaded by pests and weeds. Be sure to water and fertilize your plants regularly.
• Monitor your garden for new growth: Check your garden regularly for signs of new creeping bellflower growth. If you spot any, remove it immediately.

Creeping bellflower may be a pretty plant, but it can quickly become a nuisance in your garden. Fortunately, there are several methods for removing it, including hand-pulling, cutting back, covering with plastic, and using herbicides. Once you've removed the plant, be sure to take steps to prevent it from coming back. With a little effort, you can keep your garden free of this invasive species.

invasive species, gardening tips, weed control, garden maintenance, landscaping