Campanula

Campanula is a genus of flowering plants in the family Campanulaceae, commonly known as bellflowers. The genus includes several hundred species of herbaceous perennials, annuals, and biennials found in temperate regions of Europe, Asia, and North America. They are prized for their bell-shaped flowers, usually blue to white.

Description: Most Campanula species have alternate leaves and bear pendulous bell- or cup-shaped flowers, often in shades of blue, purple, pink, or white. Flowers occur in racemes or clusters and bloom from spring to midsummer in many forms. Fruits are capsules with many small seeds.

Distribution and habitat: Native to temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere, especially Europe and western Asia, with several species naturalized in North America. Habitats include meadows, woodlands, rocky slopes, and alpine screes. Growth forms range from low ground covers to tall herbaceous perennials.

Cultivation and uses: Campanulas are popular in borders, rock gardens, and containers. Most prefer well-drained soil and sun to partial shade; some species tolerate more shade. Propagation is by seed, division, or nursery plants. Notable garden species include Campanula persicifolia, C. carpatica, and C. poscharskyana. Campanula rapunculoides, the creeping bellflower, is considered invasive in parts of North America.

Etymology and taxonomy: The name Campanula derives from Latin campanula, meaning “little bell.” The genus is within Campanulaceae and contains numerous species and cultivars grouped informally into sections; exact counts vary but span several hundred.