Creeping bellflower (campanula rapunculoides) might look pretty, but don’t be fooled—this invasive species is aggressive and can quickly take over your garden, lawn, and even spread into neighbouring yards. Once established it has deep, tuberous roots that make it hard to remove, and it spreads by both root and seed.
Creeping bellflower is a perennial with heart-shaped leaves that grows to about a metre in height by summer and has purple/blue bell-shaped flowers. You may also know it by creeping campanula, garden bluebell, or another common name.
Here’s How to Tackle It
Dig it Out (Carefully): Use a trowel or garden fork to dig deep and remove as much of the root as possible. Even small root fragments can regrow, so persistence is key.
Don’t Compost It: Bag up all removed plant parts and dispose of in your black bin. Do not put these into your compost as that will continue the spread.
Cut Before it Flowers: If you can’t remove it right away, cut off the purple flowers before they go to seed. Each plant can produce thousands of seeds!
Stay Persistent: Check the same spots regularly. It might take a few seasons to fully get rid of it, but consistent effort pays off.
Avoid Tilling: Tilling can break the roots into pieces, helping it spread even faster across your yard.
Pay Attention to Your Seed Mixes: In the springtime when planting seeds, make sure that any wildflower mixes you have do not include C. Rapunculoides (regular campanula species are okay though).
If you like the look of these flowers, please consider planting an alternative species that is not invasive, such as native bellflowers (e.g.: Carpathian Harebell), native and ornamental beardtongues (e.g.: Pink Chablis) or Blue Mirror Delphinium.
Let’s work together to keep our gardens healthy and stop the spread of this invasive plant!
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