Thinking About Digging? Read This First.

Digging is often the first instinct when people discover Creeping Bellflower in their yard. And while digging can remove visible shoots and some roots, it’s rarely enough to eradicate Bellflower—and in cases where gardens are invaded or near trees, it’s better to pull instead so you don’t destroy desirable plant roots.

That said, if you're going to dig, here’s how to do it properly.

1. Use a Fork, Not a Shovel

Shovels slice through the thick underground rhizomes, leaving countless root fragments behind. These fragments regenerate.

A garden fork allows you to lift and pry rather than chop. That means more root mass removed, less fragmentation, and fewer regrowth points.

2. Dig Early. Dig Often. Dig Deep.

One-time digging won’t solve it. Creeping Bellflower resprouts from deep roots.

• Dig in early spring with a fork when shoots are emerging but haven’t spread.

• Follow up every 2–3 weeks through the season.

• Dig down and around at least 2 feet—Rhizomes spread in all directions.

3. Don’t Dig in the Wrong Places

Digging isn’t safe or effective in mature garden beds. It:

• Removes roots from established perennials

• Damages tree roots and shrubs

• Damages soil structure, especially in clay-heavy soils

• Disrupts fungal networks, beneficial microbes, and insect habitat

In other words: don’t dig under trees, in dense mixed beds, or near native restoration plantings. The collateral damage outweighs the benefits.

4. Know What You're Up Against

Creeping Bellflower’s root system is designed to survive repeated digging attempts. Even small pieces of root can regrow. So if you’re hoping to dig it out once and be done, you’ll be disappointed.

Digging is best used in combination with other strategies in areas where targeted spraying is not possible. It can also be a way to delay targeted spraying, by using an “every other year approach” once you’ve regained control with a couple of years of herbicide use.