Campanula
( kam - PAN - yew - luh )
At-A-Glance InformationCommonly called Bellflower, Campanula is a genus of perennials, biennials and annuals that can take full sun in cold climates, partial shade elsewhere. They have moderate to regular water needs, and the flowers will attract hummingbirds to your garden. Flowers come in blue, white, pink, violet and lavender and take a variety of shapes. Bloom time varies by species, though it is generally between spring and fall. These pants are native to the Northern Hemisphere, and can be used in a variety of situations in the garden, including as specimens in rock gardens, in hanging baskets (best for trailing varieties), as groundcovers, and in beds and containers. Upright varieties are best for cut flowers.
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Campanula Species and Varietals
Campanula grows best in zones 1-9 and 14-24, though this can vary depending on the species. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Campanula carpatica (Tussock Bellflower) This late spring blooming perennial is compact with a spreading habit. Foliage reaches 6 inches high, and flower spikes rise to 8 inches to 1.5 feet tall. Flowers can be white, light blue, or violet. Varieties include 'Blue Clips' (9 inches tall, 11 inches wide), 'White Clips' (9 inches tall, 11 inches wide), 'Pearl Deep Blue' (7 inches tall, 9 inches wide), 'Pearl White' (7 inches tall, 9 inches wide). This species is great in rock gardens, as border plants, and is great for damp areas of the garden. |
Campanula cochlearifolia (Fairy Thimbles) This dainty perennial reaches 3-6 inches tall and has shiny leaves. Flowers bloom for a long period in summertime. Varieties include 'Bavaria Blue' (deep blue blooms), 'Alba' (pure white blooms), 'Elizabeth Oliver' (powder blue flowers), 'Advance Blue' (taller, more upright, blue flowering variety), and 'Advance White' (upright grower with white flowers). Plants of this species are great for rock crevices or between pavers and are easy to grow. |
Campanula garganica This perennial species of Campanula grows best in zones 1-9 and 14-24. It forms a tight mat of grey or green foliage and flowers bloom on trailing stems. Blooms are blue with white centers and appear in late spring to fall. Varieties include 'Baby Blue' (smaller than the species with light blue flowers) and 'Dickson's Gold' (with golden foliage in ample sun, pictured right). These are great for rock gardens and edges. |
Campanula glomerata Best in zones A1, A2, 1-10 and 14-24. This upright grower gets to 1-2 feet tall and has somewhat hairy leaves. Flowers can be violet, blue, or white and bloom in clusters in spring through summer. These plants are more foliage than flowers, and are great for shaded borders and rock gardens. Varieties include 'Alba' (with white flowers), 'Acaulis (with 6-inch tall flower spikes with blue blooms), 'Joan Elliott' (2-foot stems with purple flowers) and 'Purple Pixie' (with violet purple flowers on 14-inch tall stems. |
Campanula lactiflora This perennial grows best in zones 1-9 and 14-24, and is an erect species that grows to 3.5-5 feet tall. This leafy species has summer blooming flowers in violet, pale blue, white and pink. Varieties include 'Avalanche' (white flowers), 'Gloaming' (smokey lavender flowers), 'Pouffe' (10-inch mounded plant with lavender flowers), and 'White Pouffe' (forms a 10-inch mound with white flowers). Great for the backs of borders in sun or part shade. Can tolerate dry soil and is long-lived. |
Campanula persicifolia (Peach-Leafed Bluebell) This species is perennial, and has an upright growing habit to 2-3 feet tall. Leaves are shaped like those on a peach tree (hence the common name), and summer flowers come in blue, pink or white. These plants are great for borders. Varieties include 'Telham Beauty' (blue flowers), 'Blue-Eyed Blond' (gold foliage and blue flowers), 'Chettle Charm' (lavender-edged white flowers), 'Takion Blue' (pictured left, with profuse blue blooms, 18 inches tall and 16 inches wide), and 'Takion White' (18 inches tall and a little less wide). |
Campanula portenschlagiana (Dalmatian Bellflower) Grows best in zones 2-9 and 14-24 and forms a leafy deep green mound 8 inches tall that produces 1-foot tall flower stems. Flowers are greyish white or violet blue and bloom from late spring into summer, sometimes reblooming in fall. Great for edges or as a small-scale groundcover. Spreads relatively quickly but is not invasive. Variety 'Birch Hybrid' has purple-blue flowers and spreads to about 18 inches. |
Campanula poscharskyana (Serbian Bellflower) This perennial grows best in zones 1-12 and 14-24, and forms a spreading 8-inch tall mound from which 1 foot tall flower stems sprout. Leaves are slightly hairy, and spring to early summer flowers come in blue-lilac, lavender, and greyish-white. This is a vigorous grower, and is great when planted with fuchsias or begonias in borders. Can be used as a small-scale water-wise groundcover. Varieties include 'Alba' (with white flowers) and 'Blue Waterfall' (pictured left, with light blue flowers). |
Campanula punctata This perennial forms a dark green, flat rosette that spreads by underground runners. Flowers are long and bell-shaped, cream to deep maroon with pale interiors that are spotted crimson. Blooms appear in late spring to early summer with random reblooms. Varieties include 'Cherry Bells' (bright, deep rose flowers), and 'Dwarf Pink' (dwarf variety with pink flowers). |
Caring for Campanula
These flowering plants grow best in well-draining soil and are easy to grow from seed in spring or summertime. Some varieties of Campanula will self-sow and seed freely
Propagation
From seed, through divindg clumps, or by cutting. Some species seed freely.
Problems and Pests
Some species seed freely and can be invasive, and can be difficult to remove. Some species are attractive to slugs and snails. Watch for spider mites in hot, dry weather.
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 218 - 219, Campanula (Bellflower)
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