bellflower

Bellflower is the common name for flowering plants in the genus Campanula, part of the family Campanulaceae. The genus includes hundreds of species of annuals, biennials, and perennials native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Bellflowers are noted for their bell- or cup-shaped flowers, often arranged in racemes or loose clusters, and for foliage that varies from lance-shaped to broad.

Most Campanula species have slender stems with alternate leaves. The flowers typically possess five fused corolla lobes and are blue or violet in many varieties, though white, pink, and other shades occur. Flowering generally happens in late spring to summer, with some species providing a longer bloom period. The plants vary greatly in size, from compact, mound-forming varieties to tall, branching forms.

Habitat and cultivation: Bellflowers are widely grown as ornamentals in gardens. They prefer well-drained soil and a sunny to partly shaded site. They can be grown as perennials, biennials, or short-lived perennials depending on species. Propagation is possible by seed, division of clumps, or rooting of creeping stems. Many gardeners value Campanula for long-lasting blooms and versatility in borders, rock gardens, and containers.

Notable species and considerations: Campanula persicifolia (peach-leaved bellflower), Campanula carpatica (Carpathian bellflower), and Campanula rapunculoides (creeping bellflower) are common in cultivation. Creeping bellflower can be aggressive and become invasive in some regions, spreading by rhizomes and seed. Management may require careful removal of roots, repeated mowing after flowering, and, in some cases, herbicide treatment. Overall, bellflowers contribute a classic, adaptable look to many garden settings.