Campanula

( kam - PAN - yew - luh )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly 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.

Campanula Species and Varietals

The genus Campanula is the type genus member of the plant family Campanulaceae, and includes 448 species. 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 alaskana (Alaska Bellflower)
These flowering plants are native to northwestern North America, including the Aleutian Islands, Alaska, the Yukon, British Colombia, and Washington. It was first described by Asa Gray in 1886, and its species was created by William Wright in 1918.

Campanula alliariifolia (Cornish Bellflower)
This species is native to the Caucasus and Turkey, and is widely grown as an ornamental garden plant. It is a vigorous, clump-forming plant that has toothed, hairy basal leaves and produces tubular, bell-shaped white flowers. To between 12 and 24 inches tall when mature and in bloom.

Campanula americana (Campanula americanum) (American Bellflower, Tall Bellflower)
Native to the eastern United States, this species forms either an annual or biennial taprooted plant. It has a basal rosette of foliage from which a flowering shoot rises to between 3-6 feet tall. Flowers are light blue-violet with a white central ring, and bloom from July through August in the plant's native range.

Campanula barbata (Bearded Bellflower)
These plants produce interesting flowers that produce hairy flower petals. The species is native to Norway, France, Italy, and areas of Central Europe, where it grows in mountainous regions. It forms a basal rosette of grey-green foliage and flowering stems that reach up to a foot tall. Blooms are varying shades of violet-blue and are in flower in July and August.

Campanula betulifolia (Birch-Leaved Bellflower)
This species is native to Turkey, where it grows in crevices in volcanic areas. It forms a small clump and produces dark green birch-like leaves (hence the species' common name). Flowers bloom in late springtime and are white and bell-shaped, opening from pink buds. There is also a pink-flowered form. These plants have a cascading habit, and are wonderful in rock gardens and alpine gardens.

Campanula carpatica (Tussock Bellflower, Carpathian Harebell)
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, Earleaf Bellflower)
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 (Campanula elatines var. garganica)(Adriatic Bellflower)
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 (Clustered Bellflower)
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 hercegovina (Herzegovinian Bellflower)
This species is endemic to Bosnia and Herzegovina, and is a perennial cushion plant that forms from a rhizome root. It typically grows amongst rock formations, and form tufts of green foliage. Flowers are tiny and purple, blooming between June and August in the plant's native range.

Campanula isophylla (Italian Bellflower, Star of Bethlehem, Falling Stars, Trailing Campanula)
This species forms a trailing perennial plant with blue, white, or mauve flowers that bloom in late summer to fall in the plant's native range (the Mediterranean). Leaves are green, heart-shaped and toothed. Individual plants reach up to between 6 and 8 inches tall and have a spread of about a foot. Keep out of direct sunlight; grows well in containers and hanging baskets.

Campanula lactiflora (Milky Bellflower)
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 (Campanula muralis) (Dalmatian Bellflower, Wall Bellflower, Adria 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, Trailing 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 (Spotted Bellflower)
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' (pictured, with bright, deep rose flowers), and 'Dwarf Pink' (dwarf variety with pink flowers).

Campanula rapunculoides (Creeping Bellflower, Rampion Bellflower, Rover Bellflower, Garden Bluebell, Creeping Bluebell, Purple Bell, Garden Harebell, Creeping Campanula)
These perennials are native to central and southern Europe as well as western Asia. It is considered invasive in some parts of North America, so make sure to check with local authorities before planting. Plants reach between 12 and 31 inches tall when mature and in bloom and produce bright blue-violet flowers from June through September.

Campanula rapunculus (Rampion Bellflower, Rampion, Rover Bellflower, Rapunzel)
This species was once widely cultivated as a crop, for its edible leaves and roots. The Brother's Grimm tale Rapunzel takes its name from this species. It forms a biennial herbaceous plant that reaches up to between 16 and 31 inches tall when mature and in bloom. Flowers are light pink with white centers, and are present from May through September. 

Campanula robinsiae (Brooksville Bellflower, Robin's Flower, Chinsegut Bellflower)
Native to Florida, this species is considered to be critically imperiled, and is threatened by pollution, invasive species, trampling, vandalism, and illegal collecting. It is an annual, trailing delicate plant with slender stems, reaching about 6 inches tall when mature. Flowers are mauve to light pink in color.

Campanula rotundifolia (Common Harebell, Scottish Bluebell, Bluebell of Scotland, Small Bluebell)
This species is native to temperate regions throughout the Northern Hemisphere, and is the floral emblem of Sweden. Flowers are violet-blue and bell-shaped, and foliage is green and rounded to heart-shaped, with slightly toothed margins.

Campanula takesimana (Korean Bellflower)
This species of bellflower produces light pinkish to white flowers, and is a popular garden ornamental around the world. There are many different cultivars of this species with differing flower colors. Individual plants reach up to between 18 and 30 inches tall when mature and in bloom. Foliage is green and toothed.

Campanula thyrsoides
This species of Bellflower is native to Europe, and typically grow in limestone alpine lawns. Plants reach to between 28 and 39 inches tall when mature and in bloom, and produce a showy upright inflorescence that holds up to 200 flowers. Blooms are pale yellow to cream colored. It is a biennial plant, producing vegetation in the first year and flowers in the second.

​Campanula zoysii (Favratia zoysii) (Zois' Bellflower, Zoysi's Harebell, Crimped Bellflower)
Endemic to Austria, Italy, and Slovenia, this species grows in the crevices of limestone rocks. It is compact, typically reaching up to 2-3 inches tall when mature, and produces bell-shaped purple flowers. 

Caring for Campanula

Plant Bellflower in springtime in an area of the garden that receives full sun to partial shade. They are easily direct-sown, or can be purchased as starters from a nursery. Some species will self-sow and seed freely, so make sure they are in a space in the garden where this tendency will not be a problem for neighboring plants. There are some species of Bellflower that cannot take direct sun; make sure to check the growing requirements for your specific species before choosing a planting site. They require soil that is well-draining and moderately fertile, with a pH of between 6.0 and 8.0. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. After planting Bellflower, mulch around the base of the plant with organic mulching material to help retain soil moisture and suppress weed growth. Keep mulch away from the plant stems, as this can encourage an environment for root rot issues to take hold. Water new plants regularly as they establish a strong root system. Mature plants should be watered about once a week; they prefer to have soil kept consistently moist. As a general rule of thumb, water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch.

Fertilize the planting area each year in early springtime with organic compost, pulling back mulch before applying and replacing it after working compost into the soil. These are not heavy feeders, and compost is sufficient to provide all the necessary nutrients for the growing and flowering seasons. Deadhead spent blooms to neaten the appearance of plants and discourage reseeding. Remove yellowing, dying, or diseased leaves. If plants get leggy, they can be cut back a bit to encourage a new flush of growth to emerge.

Propagation

Campanula can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your Bellflower, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Campanula by Seed
  1. Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
  2. Harvest your seeds. The seed heads on plants are pretty easy to spot, they're left behind after flowers have faded. Once they have dried out and begun to split open, you can harvest the seeds inside. Cut them off of the plant, placing them in a paper bag. Harvest as many as you can, and place the paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area. They will continue to split open and release the seeds contained inside. Once they have been released, take them out of the bag and put them in a container so you can work with them.
  3. In either late winter or early springtime, get your container prepared. Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 2-6 weeks from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
  4. Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 65 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home.

Propagating Campanula by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil (any kind will do, though it does need to be well-draining), compost and pots (12 inch pots will do, and these are only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in very early spring (after the plant has entered dormancy, but before it has begun its new spring growth), and needs to be done every few years regardless of whether you have the goal of propagating the plants for best performance. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
  1. Using a shovel, dig up your existing plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the root(s). Once you have worked it up out of the ground, lay it out.
  2. Start to tease apart the roots with your gloved fingers. Once the roots are untangled, separate your plant into segments, ensuring that each one has at least one thick root section attached.
  3. Prepare your pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. You can either bring in new soil or simply amend your existing soil with compost to complete this task. Then, plant your divided plants and water thoroughly.
  4. Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting to protect it from cold weather as it acclimates to its new home. Then, enjoy watching it sprout in the next growing season.

Problems and Pests

Take care when planting Bellflower in the landscape; some species are considered invasive in certain regions and can also be difficult to completely remove from gardens. They reseed freely.
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Campanula, or Bellflower, plants are susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape:
  • Aphids
  • Spider Mites
  • Leaf Spot
  • Powdery Midew
  • Root Rot
  • Slugs and Snails
For more information on these pests and diseases, including how to treat them, see the following links:
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Gallery

Smaller varieties of Campanula, such as Campanula carpatica, are great for growing amongst rocks.
Campanula is interplanted with Iris along a man-made water feature.
Campanula flowers do well in containers and hanging baskets.
This informal garden features Campanula, Colorado Blue Spruce, and Amsonia.
Here, Campanula fills the space in a narrow planting strip alongside Viola.
This informal garden features many different varieties of Hydrangea with Campanula underplantings.
Bellflowers can be planted with their roots in very small spaces, such as the cracks between steps.
This shaded garden features Hydrangea and Campanula planted around a relaxing fountain.
Campanula provides color to this monotone bed.

Videos

All about growing Campanula.
Growing Campanula: A Complete Guide.
Learn how to grow these popular garden ornamentals.
A plant chat about Campanula.

Resources

10 Best Campanulas to Grow
Campanula: A Growing Guide for Bellflower Plant
How to Grow Campanula
Campanula Care: How to Grow a Bellflower Plant
Wikipedia: Campanula
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 218 - 219, Campanula (Bellflower)
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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