I know. This weed doesn’t look evil. And its common name, creeping bellflower, doesn’t sound evil either.
But, believe me, it’s MALICIOUS! Eradicating this evil weed should be on your agenda before it spreads and takes over large swaths of your yard and garden. Check out some not-so-beautiful shots of this toxic (some might say tenacious) weed.
Many gardeners are familiar with creeping Charlie, an obnoxious weed that grows along the ground and sports purple flowers in the spring. Well, let me tell you, that weed is the amateur team compared to creeping bellflower.
Why is creeping bellflower much worse than creeping Charlie? Because creeping bellflower reaches down, sometimes 6 to 8 inches, before it creeps horizontally. In addition, it anchors itself with deep carrot-like roots (DEEP roots). Furthermore, if you leave any minor piece of root behind–you guessed it! MORE WEEDS!
Check out this lovely collection of roots, so you know what you’re looking for:
These deep roots are like soft, cream-colored carrots. But what you really need to watch out for are the bright white attachments, as well as the fine hairy projections that seem to easily and readily grow into full-sized roots.
You can try weed killer if you find creeping bellflower in your lawn. At best it will control but not completely kill them. I’ve determined in my yard for now that weed killer plus mowing is my control method, even though it’s never going to completely kill them.
In my garden, however, I don’t want to spread weed killer, so the only option to eradicate this evil weed is by hand.
I recommend you formulate a plan that involves a shovel, dirty fingernails, and plenty of patience because you will need to return several times during the season to completely eradicate this evil weed.
Step 1: Dig Out Weeds
Step 1 is to dig down at least 6 inches and sift through the dirt with your fingers to find each potential root. Then bag and THROW THE PLANT MATERIAL AWAY! Don’t compost it. And don’t throw it in the city compost either. This weed is toxic.
Be careful! While I was digging my fingers in the dirt, I uncovered a nest of bumblebees. Thankfully they don’t sting. Another time I uncovered a huge ugly spider with a big white egg sac on her. Still, I’ve spent hours digging my fingers in the dirt with no problems. In reality, I love digging in the dirt. But do be aware and do use a shovel so you don’t need to use your fingers as much.
Step 2: Return to Same Area and Dig Again
Check back in about two weeks to see what weeds might be re-emerging. I checked back to find these:
So I pulled out the shovel.
And this is what is underground. Look how long these roots are after only a couple weeks!
Step 3: Keep Checking Back
I did mention patience, right? You’ll need it because you’ll need to check back several times throughout the year to keep digging up the new weeds that emerge. And check back next year as well. These plants are hardy and will be back next summer.
After you dig up the new weeds, whip yourself up a batch of guacamole and some iced tea. You’ll deserve it after your hard work.
