Creeping Bellflower nightmare - Ask Extension
I have dreaded creeping bellflower under a large maple tree. Digging up the roots is impossible as I can’t get a shovel in without hitting tree root...
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Creeping Bellflower nightmare #870400
Asked May 28, 2024, 11:44 AM EDT
I have dreaded creeping bellflower under a large maple tree. Digging up the roots is impossible as I can’t get a shovel in without hitting tree root and the bellflower roots seem intertwined with maple tree roots. I never let them go to seed and pull greenery when I feel ambitious. I have a lot of large hosta around the tree which seems to keep them down a bit. It’s never-ending. What else can I do? I got desperate once and tried Roundup and did not have much success.
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hi Mariann,
I can't even estimate how much creeping bellflower I have pulled up this spring. I wish I could say something helpful.... The only way I know of to get rid of it is to smother it with layers of newspaper. Put mulch or dirt on top, then keep filling in (planting) the space with other plants so there is NO bare soil. The trick is to not have any "open " soil. With the gift of rain we are having this spring I have been dividing plants and filling in areas like crazy. Do it right before a rain and you will have much more success.
Good luck,
Sally Granath
St. Louis County MG
