Family: Campanulaceae
Common Name: Bellflower

The Latin word campanula means 'small bell' and refers to the delicate, bell-shaped flowers of this large genus of about 300 species of annuals, biennials and perennials from North America, Europe and Asia. 'they look extremely pretty in borders, rockeries and hanging baskets. One of the species, C. rapunculus, has edible roots and leaves and is sometimes used as a salad vegetable.

Species

C. glomerata, zone 2, is an erect perennial growing to 45 cm (18 in). It has hairy, ovate leaves and terminal, deep violet-blue flowers, measuring around 7.5 cm (3 in) across.

C. latifolia, zone 3, grows to 1 m (3 ft), with pendulous, purplish blue flowers.

C. medium, Canterbury bells, zone 8, is quite stunning, with its spires of bell-shaped flowers in violet, blue, pink or white. An upright, branching, hairy plant, with crowded basal leaves, it is an annual or biennial. Cultivar 'Calycanthema', cup and saucer, has an enlarged calyx matching the colour of the petals.

C. persicifolia, zone 3, is a popular species and also a very attractive one. It has a branched, creeping rootstock, leathery, lance-shaped, bright green leaves and delightful, large, blue bell flowers. It grows 30-100 cm (12-40 in). Cultivar 'Alba' grows to 1 m (3 ft), with single, pure white flowers; 'Moerheimii' grows to 1 m (3 ft), with large, semi-double, white flowers on slim stems; 'Blue Gardenia' grows to 60 cm (24 in), with large, double, bright blue flowers; 'Telham Beauty' reaches to 1 m (3 ft) and has large, single, china blue blooms.

C. rotundifolia, zone 3, Scotch hare bell or blue bell, is a perennial which grows to 45 cm (18 in). It is many-stemmed, with dainty, drooping, blue bell flowers.

Trailing and Dwarf Species

C. cochleariifolia, zone 6, fairy's thimble, is a perennial, with underground runners and lovely, pendulous, pale blue bell-shaped flowers, which grows to 10 cm (4 in). Cultivar 'Alba' is an excellent rockery or wall plant, growing to only 10 cm (4 in). It produces masses of pretty white bells borne on fine stems.

C. x haylodgensis, cultivar 'Warley White', zone 5, is a sprawling, tufted perennial, with double, white flowers. It grows 22 cm (9 in) in height.

C. isophylla, zone 9, is an evergreen, trailing perennial, native to the mountainous areas of northern Italy, which grows to 10 cm (4 in). It has ovate leaves and star-shaped, blue, summer flowers. Cultivar 'Alba', with white flowers, looks very pretty in baskets. It grows to 10 cm (4 in).

C. portenschlagiana, zone 4, from the mountains of southern Europe, is a trailing species, to 15 cm (6 in), and suitable for rock gardens. It has deep purple bellflowers and masses of small, ivy-like leaves.

C. poscharskyana, zone 3, is a hardy tufted perennial to 20-30 cm (12 in). Suitable for growing on banks or walls, it flourishes in either sun or shade. It has long sprays of starry, lavender-blue flowers.

Cultivation

Depending on the species, bellflowers can be cultivated in borders and rock gardens and as container plants. Plant in spring or autumn in a rich soil in a sunny or semi-shaded position. Support may need to be given to the tall species. Propagate from seed, by division of old clumps in spring, or by cuttings taken after the flowers are finished. Sow seed in the spring in a fine compost and leave in a shaded position until the seedlings appear. Border species with creeping roots can be propagated by division in autumn. With the rock garden species, plant in a well-drained, gritty soil in an open, sunny position. C. isophylla, popularly known as falling stars, is one of the tender species and because it has a trailing habit is grown in hanging baskets in a cool greenhouse or conservatory. It also makes a good house plant provided the room is cool.

Climate

There are campanulas available for various climatic zones.