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39
Summer 2012
Escarpment Magaz ine
With nodding purple flower
heads and long heart-shaped
leaves, the creeping bellflower
may appear delicate. But its ability
to tolerate a wide range of light con-
ditions, survive periods of drought
and resist some herbicides reveals a
darker side. With roots capable of creeping under fences, through lawns
and even under sidewalks and concrete, it is no wonder creeping bell-
flower is extremely difficult to remove. For a native sun to part shade op-
tion, gardeners can consider Harebell, a.k.a. blue bells of Scotland. From
June right up until September this small dainty plant produces flowers that
hummingbirds and butterflies find irresistible.
A chameleon of the shrubworld, the multiflora rose can
take on the shape of a fountain or form a 3 to 5 metre
skyward ladder climbing over other plants. Fragrant
white flowers appearing in clusters of more than 10 are
a give-away to the shrub’s non-native origins. Boasting
an array of cream, pink and red flowers from spring to
early summer, native species such as smooth rose and
prickly wild rose are better options. As an added bonus,
the rosehips that appear from these plants in the autumn
can be used to make delicious tea.
*
Multiflora Rose
vs. Wild Rose
Creeping
Bellflower
vs. Harebell
2
1
Harebell... a better native choice
Smooth Rose... a better native choice