Campanula bellflowers are admired for their beautiful, bell-shaped flowers and lovely coloration choices including blue, purple, pink, and white. These delightful flowers, which belong to the Campanulaceae family, are over 500 species.
They flourish in moderate climates and make a gorgeous addition to borders, rockeries pots or containers. They also attract bees and butterflies, which makes your garden more alive.
These flowers are native to mountains and meadows in the Northern Hemisphere. Their little dangling flowers perfectly suit their name, “Campanula,” which translates to little bell in Latin. Some varieties are dwarf types, standing only a few centimeters tall; others grow up to 2 meters.
They grow well in cool weather, shaded patios, and small gardens, and they gently spread on their own, giving you flowers from late spring to summer.
Key Features of Campanula
- Soft green leaves that are wider at the base and narrower on the stems
- Bell-shaped flowers that are usually 2–5 cm wide
- Blue flowers are most common, though pink and white ones can also be found.
- Easy natural spreading through seed capsules
- Growth types range from low, mat-forming plants to tall upright ones
- Many modern types with double flowers are perfect for cutting
- Highly attractive to pollinators such as bees and butterflies
Popular Campanula Varieties You Can Grow
Campanula comes in many shapes and sizes, and each type works well in different garden spaces. Some are great for rock gardens, some for borders, and some for tall, dramatic displays.
- Carpathian Bellflower (C. carpatica): A small plant, 15–20 cm tall, great for pots.
- Peach-Leaved Bellflower (C. persicifolia): Tall and elegant with blue, white, or pink bells.
- Clustered Bellflower (C. glomerata): Strong stems with dense violet or pink clusters.
- Harebell (C. rotundifolia): A dainty, wildflower-like plant with nodding blue bells.
- Canterbury Bells (C. medium): A tall biennial loved by florists.
- Serbian Bellflower (C. poscharskyana): A trailing plant perfect for walls and edges.
- Adria Bellflower (C. portenschlagiana): Evergreen and low-growing with purple-blue blooms.
- Campanula ‘Sarastro’: A compact hybrid with deep violet tubular flowers.
Some very tall types, like Campanula pyramidalis, can reach up to 6 feet. However, one type—Campanula rapunculoides—should be avoided in some areas because it spreads too quickly.
How to Grow Campanula Easily
Campanula grows best when planted in spring after frost. It likes rich, well-draining soil mixed with compost. The ideal soil pH is between 6.0 and 8.0. When planting, make holes twice as wide as the root ball and space plants 15–90 cm apart depending on the variety.
If you are planting from seeds, do not bury them. Campanula seeds need light to sprout, so just place them on top of the soil. They usually germinate in 14–28 days at 18–21°C (65–70°F). Most Campanulas prefer full sun, but in hot places, part shade is safer.
Water deeply at first and continue watering whenever the top of the soil feels dry. A layer of mulch helps hold moisture and keeps weeds away. Feeding with a balanced fertilizer in early spring and again in midsummer encourages healthy blooming.
Growing Campanula in Pots
Campanula grows very well in containers, especially the smaller types like C. carpatica, C. portenschlagiana, and C. poscharskyana. Always use pots with drainage holes so water can escape. Fill the pot with a gritty, peat-free mix so the roots stay healthy.
Place the pot in bright indirect light or gentle morning sun. Water whenever the top of the soil begins to dry, and give the plants a mild feed every two weeks during the growing season. In cold winters, you can bring the pots indoors and water less.
Trailing varieties look beautiful in hanging baskets, while upright types add height to balconies and patios.
Simple Care Tips for Bellflowers
Campanulas stay healthy with very little effort. Keep the soil moist but not soaking wet because too much water causes root rot. Remove old flowers to encourage more blooms. After the main flowering period, you can trim the plant back to help it bloom again.
In autumn, cut the plant down to its base leaves and add a light mulch layer if you live in a cold area. Many perennial types return each year when protected. Biennials only bloom once. Mature clumps should be divided every three or four years to keep them growing well. If your Campanula is in a pot, repot it when the roots become crowded.
Companion plants that grow well with Campanula include salvia, dianthus, and shasta daisies.
Pests and Diseases
Campanulas are strong plants but can sometimes face a few issues, such as:
- Slugs
- Aphids
- Spider mites
- Powdery mildew
- Rust
These problems are easy to manage. You can use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or diatomaceous earth for pests. Good airflow and watering in the morning help prevent mildew. Remove any infected leaves as soon as you see them.
How to Propagate Campanula
- Seeds: Collect mature seeds or let them fall naturally.
- Division: Split clumps in spring or fall.
- Cuttings: Take soft stem cuttings in summer.
- Rhizomes: Separate spreading root pieces if your variety has them.
History, Uses, and Meaning
Campanulas have a long history, especially in Europe. Canterbury bells were connected to church bells and pilgrimages. Campanula rapunculus appears in the story of Rapunzel, where its roots are used as food. In old herbal traditions, people used Campanula for coughs and joint pain.
Campanula flowers symbolize gratitude, humility, and lasting love. Their young leaves are edible and taste like spinach, and some roots taste similar to mild radish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Campanulas perennials?
Many are perennials, but some are biennials.
Do they spread fast?
Most spread slowly, but a few types can become invasive.
What sunlight do they need?
They grow well in full sun or part shade.
How often should I water them?
Water when the top of the soil feels dry.
Are they safe for pets?
They are generally safe but may cause mild irritation if eaten.
Can Campanulas grow indoors?
They prefer outdoor conditions but can be kept indoors for short periods.
What do Campanula flowers mean?
They represent gratitude, humility, and long-lasting love.
