Spreading the Blue Carpet: How to Propagate Wahlenbergia procumbens
Wahlenbergia procumbens, also known as the New Zealand Bluebell or Creeping Bellflower, is a charming groundcover prized for its delicate sky-blue, bell-shaped blooms. This low-growing perennial forms a lush carpet of green foliage, dotted with delicate flowers throughout the warmer months. While acquiring established plants is an option, propagating your own Wahlenbergia procumbens is surprisingly easy and rewarding. This blog post will guide you through the simple techniques for multiplying your bluebell bounty!
Two Roads to More Bluebells: Seed vs. Division
There are two primary ways to propagate Wahlenbergia procumbens: by seed or by division. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the best option depends on your resources and preference.
1. Starting from Seed: A Rewarding but Lengthy Journey
While Wahlenbergia procumbens might readily self-seed in your garden, starting them from scratch allows for greater control and quantity.
Here’s how:
- Timing is Key: Sow seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in your region.
- Sowing Setup: Use a seed starting mix with good drainage and sprinkle the tiny seeds over the surface. Lightly press them down, ensuring they are in contact with the soil, but don’t bury them deep.
- Light and Moisture: Maintain consistent moisture and place the tray in a brightly lit location, out of direct sunlight.
- Transplanting Time: Once the seedlings are large enough to handle and all danger of frost has passed, gradually harden them off by introducing them to outdoor conditions for increasingly longer periods. Transplant them into their permanent positions in the garden, spacing them around 12 inches apart.
Pros:
- Economical: Starting from seed is a budget-friendly way to obtain a large number of plants.
- Rewarding: Witnessing the entire lifecycle, from tiny seed to blooming plant, can be deeply satisfying.
Cons:
- Time Commitment: Seed propagation is a longer process, requiring patience as you wait for germination and seedling development.
- Variability: Plants grown from seed may not be identical to the parent plant, leading to slight variations in flower color or growth habit.
2. Dividing for Instant Gratification
Dividing established plants is a quick and easy way to multiply your Wahlenbergia procumbens and guarantee you’re getting plants with identical characteristics.
How to Divide:
- Ideal Timing: Divide plants in early spring or fall when the weather is cooler and the plants are not actively flowering.
- Digging Deep: Carefully dig up the plant you wish to divide, ensuring you get a good root ball.
- Gentle Separation: Using your hands or a sharp knife, divide the root ball into smaller sections, ensuring each section has healthy roots and shoots.
- Replanting: Replant the divisions immediately in their new locations, watering well to help them establish.
Pros:
- Fast Results: Division offers nearly instant gratification, as you’ll have established plants ready to grow.
- True to Type: Divided plants will have the same characteristics as the parent plant, ensuring consistent blooms and growth habit.
Cons:
- Limited Quantity: Division provides a smaller number of new plants compared to starting from seed.
Whichever propagation method you choose, following these tips will help you cultivate a beautiful and thriving bluebell carpet in your garden. Happy propagating!