A cramped bell belongs to those species of the bell family that have been successfully cultivated by people for many years. This herbaceous perennial has a very decorative appearance. The height of its stem reaches 55-60 cm. It looks great on flower beds and multi-species flower beds.
The crowded bell has a rarely-bristly erect stem. It has a fibrous root system. Smooth leaves have small setae below them. They have a very elongated elliptical shape. This plant blooms with bright blue flowers, which have a characteristic bell-shaped appearance. Each of them has 5 petals. Breeders bred several hybrids and varieties that have a white and lilac-purple halo. Flowers are collected on the tops of the stems in small spherical inflorescences (15-20 pieces each). Sometimes small groups of flowers can also be located under 3-4 upper leaves. Their size does not exceed 2 cm in length. Flowering begins with the upper flowers of the inflorescence. After flowering, the egg-shaped boxes filled with spherical seeds ripen.
In the wild, a crowded bell grows in light forests or thickets of small shrubs. It develops well both in illuminated areas and in partial shade. This flower belongs to winter-hardy plants, therefore, does not require shelter for the winter. A cramped bell is not picky about soils, although for faster development and abundant flowering, it is better to grow it on neutral or slightly acidic, fertile, drained soils with good moisture. This plant tolerates short-term drought well.
This flower propagates by seeds or division of bushes. They are sown in the early spring or fall in the open ground. Seeds do not fall asleep, but leave on the surface of the soil. To get good seedlings in boxes, they are sown in March. Often for this plant and self-seeding. The distance between plants during thinning out crops or transplanting seedlings should not be less than 15 cm. In a constant place, a bell that is cramped quickly grows with the help of underground shoots. You can transplant young plants throughout the entire warm season. This flower blooms in June. The flowering period lasts about a month. If dried flowers are removed, it can be extended for a few more weeks.
A bell is crowded, the cultivation of which can be overpowered even by a beginner grower, looks great on Moorish lawns, stylized flower meadows and in natural compositions. It looks great next to plants such as Sedum, Veronica, Zelenchuk, and Lamiaceae. Care for this plant is to remove weeds, regular watering. When fertilizing the soil, the flower becomes taller. In one place, a cramped bell can grow up to 8 years. During this period, he builds up a large number of outlets. A crowded bell whose photos are presented above is one of the most abundantly flowering and unpretentious representatives of its family. This flower is a medicinal plant. Take drugs with its contents should only be prescribed by a doctor.