Campanula spp., bellflowers
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Perennials

Campanula spp.

bellflowers

Campanulaceae

Northern Hemisphere; greatest diversity in Mediterranean and southwestern Asia

At a Glance

TypePerennial
HabitUpright
FoliageDeciduous
Height2 inches–5 feet (5–150 cm)
Width6 inches–3 feet (15–90 cm)

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

3 - 8
Zone 3
Zone 4
Zone 5
Zone 6
Zone 7
Zone 8
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators
Attracts Butterflies
Container Friendly
Native to North America
Maintenancemoderate

Overview

A large genus of approximately 500 species in the family Campanulaceae, ranging from low, mat-forming groundcovers 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) tall to erect border perennials reaching 4–5 feet (120–150 cm). Growth habit, foliage, and size vary substantially by species. Leaves are alternate, toothed, and range from small and heart-shaped to lance-shaped; basal and stem leaves often differ in shape. Flowers are bell-shaped or star-shaped with five fused petals, 0.5–3 inches (1.3–8 cm) across depending on species, in shades of blue-violet, purple, lavender, pink, or white. Most species bloom from late spring through summer; some produce a second flush if deadheaded. The genus includes annuals, biennials, and perennials. Some species, including C. rapunculoides and C. poscharskyana, spread aggressively by rhizomes and self-seeding and can become invasive in suitable conditions. Hardiness varies widely by species, from zone 3 to zone 9. Most garden species perform best in cool to moderate summers; quality and longevity decline in zones 8–9 heat.

Native Range

The genus is native to the Northern Hemisphere, with the greatest diversity in the Mediterranean region and southwestern Asia. Individual species occur across Europe, the Caucasus, central Asia, Siberia, and North America. Habitats range from alpine meadows and rocky slopes to woodland edges and disturbed roadsides.

Suggested Uses

Used across a wide range of garden settings depending on species: low-growing types (C. carpatica, C. poscharskyana) for rock gardens and wall crevices; mid-height types for border midground at 12–18 inch (30–45 cm) spacing; tall types for border backgrounds. Some species naturalize readily in informal and meadow-style gardens. Spreading species require containment in formal or small-space gardens.

How to Identify

Identified by bell-shaped or star-shaped five-petaled flowers in blue-violet, purple, pink, or white, typically arranged along upright stems or in loose clusters. Leaves are alternate and toothed; basal leaves are often larger and differently shaped than stem leaves. The milky latex sap in stems and leaves is characteristic of the family Campanulaceae.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height2" - 5'
Width/Spread6" - 3'

Colors

Flower Colors

blue
violet
purple
lavender
pink
white

Foliage Colors

green

Fall Foliage Colors

no change

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks
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SpringSummer
Bloom time varies by species: early species (C. glomerata, C. persicifolia) bloom May–June; midseason species (C. lactiflora, C. latifolia) bloom June–July; later species bloom into August. Deadheading promptly after the first flush may extend bloom or trigger rebloom. Individual flower duration ranges from 1–2 weeks for individual stems to 4–8 weeks total per plant.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

blue-violet, purple, lavender, pink, white

Foliage Description

medium green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 4-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 7.5(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamsandchalk
Drainage
well drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Medium

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

1-2 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained, moderately fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Most species tolerate a range of soil types but decline in waterlogged conditions. Water regularly during establishment; established plants vary by species in drought tolerance. Tall species (C. lactiflora, C. latifolia) require staking when stems exceed 24 inches (60 cm) in exposed locations. Deadhead spent flowers to extend bloom and control self-seeding. Division every 2–4 years in early spring maintains vigor; some species spread rapidly and require more frequent management. Monitor spreading species such as C. rapunculoides — once established, the fleshy rhizomes are difficult to eradicate.

Pruning

Cut back spent flower stems after bloom to reduce self-seeding and encourage lateral branching. For species with a second flush, cut the main stem back by one-half after first bloom. Cut all stems to ground level in late fall or early spring. Divide in early spring every 2–4 years; discard old center portions and replant vigorous outer divisions.

Pruning Schedule

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summerfall

Maintenance Level

moderate

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 3 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic